Once a month, the E-I-C of Odyssey's dance music section will scour the internet to collect five stand out (and obscure) releases of the week. From drum n' bass to dream-pop, Camille will leave no electronic-music stone unturned, and even explore a few genres in-between. Find her five selections for the month of August 2016 below:
5. The Philanthropists- "I'm Above Olympic"
Aptly titled for the days we spent glued to our screens watching the Olympic games in Rio this month, Beverley Hills crew The Philanthropists dropped new single "I'm Above Olympic." Only their second release thus far, the group impresses with some undeniably dark tech-house on their latest cut. While not sure if it's the inaudible vocals or the merciless bass-line, but "I'm Above Olympic" will send you straight into the kind of foggy haze that only a 4 am night in a sus warehouse party could provide.
Pick up "I'm Above Olympic" as a free download via Bob Turner Label.
4. Luna Shadows - "Waves" (Hex Cougar Remix)
I've had a close eye on Los-Angeles producer Hex Cougar ever since he dared remix an untouchable track that proves career suicide for most producers, but surprisingly, Cougar knocked it out of the park (see Hex Cougar's cover of Gesaffelstein's "Hellifornia"). Since earning his stripes, Hex Cougar has continued to impress with his production output. His latest, a remix of Luna Shadows' "Waves," flips Shadows' ethereal vocals and turns the track into something deeper, and more enjoyable, that most "EDM" tracks. Somehow avoiding all the cliches of the "festival banger," Cougar manages to create something that is equally complex as well as it is listenable. On top, of that, for lack of better washed-up terms, this one simply "goes off."
Pick up Hex Cougar's remix of Luna Shadow's "Waves" as a free download here.
3. Alunageorge- "I Remember" (Jaramix)
Anything with the name Alunageorge attached to it pretty much guarantees it will be an enjoyable listen.The singer's unmistakable vocals always lend a certain gold-coated sheen to any track she happens to bless on the top-line. Proving the perfect foundation for Stockholm duo Jarami, George's "I Remember" (prod. Flume), takes on a sun-kissed-feel-good aesthetic thanks to the pairs re-imagination. A summer anthem to it's core, Jarami brings a heavy dose of soul and tropical (and I don't mean corny 'tropical house') vibes with their remix. This one will prove to be a favorite for fans of Kaytranada and Soulection.
2. Ocean Hope- "Tame" (Chants Remix)
The first opening seconds of Chants' remix of Ocean Hope's "Tame" are abrasive, in your face, and for some, off-putting. For me, that is exactly what makes this track something worth a second and third listen. Chants' use of obscure soundscapes to remix Ocean Hope's dream-pop original is inventive, risky, and a completely unique way to re-envision this song. Chants truly transform "Tame" into something all his own and prove this Wisconsin producer's artistic vision is one of the most daring in the game.
Pick up Chants' remix of Ocean Hope's "Tame" on Bandcamp via Hush Hush Records
1. Weird Inside- "Little Angels"
There's something truly special about songs that have the ability to take you away. A song that immediately flips a switch in your brain that triggers nostalgia or whatever mood it may be. Weird Inside's "Little Angels" is one of the those tracks. On the most basic level, "Little Angels" is a track that is simply beautiful. It's light melodies, airy vocals, and poetic lyrics create a dreamy atmosphere to really send one "into their feelings." Digging deeper, Weird Inside's powerful combination of stripped down instrumentals, fluid synth, and just enough omph on the bassline, create a masterpiece whose only flaw is that it doesn't last longer than it's two and a half minutes.
If once a month isn't enough, follow me on Soundcloud for daily picks at www.soundcloud.com/camixcush