Crack Tracks: Feeding Your EDM Addiction

Published: January 20, 2014

By: Jordan Calvano

Crack Tracks: Feeding Your EDM Addiction - Volume 3

The mantra of Crack Tracks is simple: “We scour the Internet so you don’t have to.” Every single day we find stunning tracks that we don’t have time to post, and that can get frustrating. There are too many good artists going unnoticed on The Untz, and this series is our attempt to further put a dent in all the electronic music that continues to stream from far reaching corners of the world.

With Crack Tracks, we want to focus on artists and specific styles that aren’t getting as much attention here. This weekly series will highlight some of our favorite songs that we haven’t already covered, targeting artists releasing music more addicting than crack itself. The type of music you can’t get enough of. One hit just won't suffice. Are you ready to get high with us?

ODESZA - NO. Sleep Mix. 03

ODESZA doesn’t want you to sleep. Ever. Everyone knows that shit is for the weak, and the duo’s new series is basically a reminder of this classic declaration. The Seattle residents tend to focus their live sets strictly on original material, so “NO. Sleep” gives fans an insight into the broad, musical palate attached to both BeachesBeaches and Catacomb Kid. This week, we learned that ODESZA and The Untz have something in common: we’ve all caught the unstoppable Australian fever. It’s spreads like a virus across the ether. It’s so damn catchy, and tracks from artists like Ta-Ku, Wave Racer, and Hayden James will have you exploding with abounding supplies of bliss.

FLXXDS - The Devil Inside

Your newest guilty pleasure just arrived, and it’s goes by the name of FLXXDS. The collaborative effort of Crywolf, Gazzo, and PRFFTT takes on an ambitious and highly sexual sound, quickly shocking the psyche of any listener into instant submission. You need this in your life. Don’t try and fight this people, because you will be left utterly addicted the second Justin Phillips hits that first falsetto note. “The Devil Inside” is a sultry slow jam, coalescing light electronic instrumentations with gripping R&B flavor to create a dark and enthralling ambiance reminiscent of works by JMSN. Gentlemen, setting the mood has never been so easy.

Sango ft SPZRKT - Middle of Things, Beautiful Wife (Stwo Remix)

Stwo has the remix game by the cojones right now. JMSN, Drake, Cashmere Cat, and now Sango. He doesn’t try to do too much with these remixes, and that’s what makes them so engrossing. It also didn’t hurt that he chose our favorite song off North to switch-up. With “Middle of Things, Beautiful Wife,” we witness Stwo injecting his lofty sound into the mix while allowing SPZRKT’s inspiring vocals to gracefully sit atop crashing snares and flickering melodies. Most importantly though was his execution of the line. Come on, you know which one we’re talking about. “I wanna go to London, Tokyo, Paris LA. New York, Chi-Town, Sydney, Spain.” We get to hear it more often throughout the song, including a steady incline in volume during the intro to guide listeners in.

Galimatias & Sorrow - Subside
Galimatias & Sorrow – Subside

This one is for those late night sessions. Tea in hand, lights completely turned off, headphones securely fastened. You know that feeling when you’re just on the verge of sleep but you continue to fight off the night? That’s when music sounds the best. Your body wants to pass out, but you persevere for the love of experiencing music at peak performance. “Subside” synthesizes the poignant production of Galimatias (Denmark) and Sorrow (UK), gently building a deep garage backdrop around mournful vocal samples and bewitching keys. We highly recommend digging into their solo work, because each possesses a diverse catalogue running rampant with enveloping tracks.

Crooked Colours - Come Down (Palace Remix)

“Come Down” by Crooked Colours was easily one of the most creative tunes stemming from Australian dance music in 2013, so it’s only fitting the Perth based artists start off the new year with a free remix EP. You’ve got four choices including a stellar turn-up by PRFFTT & Svyable and Ianborg, but right now our personal pick comes from fellow Perth resident Palace. The burgeoning producer breaks down genre-barriers with a slew of influences throughout the song, kicking things open with upbeat snares and electrifying synthesizers before bridging into an 808 friendly break section.

Jeftuz - My Love
Jeftuz – My Love

HW&W just dropped The Dutch, and the entire release is spectacular. The concept is simple. Koen and Wantigga decided to highlight the connections they were making between producers out of the Netherlands with a 14-track, instrumental compilation full of groove-laden gems. What better way to show off the talent gushing from your country? “My Love” by Jeftuz instantly caught our attention, utilizing bubbly instrumentations and valiant tempo changes to mend the wounds of a heartbroken soul. The entire release is available via the “Name Your Price” method on HW&W’s Bandcamp, so do what you can to contribute.

YUMO - South of the Bridge
YUMO – South of The Bridge
YUMO has found his sound. The Brisbane based producer is creating music like an ice cream sundae, layering a dark and sinister syrup over bass heavy dollops. One serving just one suffice, so make sure to ask your waitress for at least three scoops of YUMO. On “South of The Bridge,” we experience the Aussie musician developing a hood classic that keeps a steady pace while continually adding and dropping out specific textures. The bass is deep, the soundscapes are unique, and the entire frame strikes up a momentous balance between ominous and inviting.

Emperor - Allure
Emperor – Allure
Emperor is not the type of producer you can fully grasp after hearing only a single track. Each new production brings something distinct to the table, evident from his constant onslaught of tunes flooding from multiple genres and sonic perspectives. “Allure” is for all those fanatics of lush, instrumental dubstep, straying from the schizophrenic drum ‘n’ bass focus heard on “Phamel Cat” and doing exactly what the titled implies. Heartfelt piano flickers delicately pave their way throughout the intro, setting the song’s tone before inviting heavier synthesizers to the party. Can you imagine hearing this exhilarating number during battle scenes of a major motion picture?

High Jet - The Chase (ViLLAGE Remix)
High Jet – The Chase (ViLLAGE Remix)
ViLLAGE has built a following on straying from the beaten path, and his latest ditty is no different. On his remix of “The Chase,” the elusive producer from somewhere in the world (we think) churns up High Jet’s original by giving the track a more modern feel. That’s not to say High Jet’s old-school vibe wasn’t already pleasing, but ViLLAGE’s version is undeniably more suitable for today’s world of dance music. Maybe it’s those catchy ass drum rolls or the deep bass bursts that just sit in your ear. Either way, we’re down with the sound.

Female - THNK U
Female – THNK U
Last week we featured a track by L W K Y, the Australian production trio consisting of Female, Grays, and Tristan. This week we’ve got a smooth serving from the newest member of the group, thanking his fans for 3,000 followers on Soundcloud with a recent beat he put together. “Thnk U” sparks a fire amongst listeners with a breathtaking fluctuation, opening with lighthearted piano melodies before slowly building up with unidentifiable vocal samples and surging synths that grapple your undivided attention. From there, he utilizes a veteran technique. Stripping the layers he added on and returning to what he started with.

IAMNOBODI - Cross the Line
IAMNOBODI – Cross The Line
In a similar vein, we’ve got IAMNOBODI celebrating his 30,000 followers on Soundcloud with a chilled out creation. The steady beat entitled “Cross The Line” highlights the continuous progression of another talented Soulection signee, encapsulating absolute ambition and joy for producing in the form of song. Two minutes might seem short, but this ephemeral effect causes listeners to immediately crave more. Time seems to slow down, but the beauty of the Internet is you can always press play again. Let yourself reminisce for a little while, and don’t be afraid to float off towards distant memories.