The first On Repeat post of 2021 explores my favourite tracks I have been listening to in January. Again, this includes both new and old releases, and in no particular order:
Skin On Skin – Opps On Tha Block – First up is this powerful track from South Sudan Born, Australian based DJ Skin On Skin. This is the second track from his EP Get Some Understanding, which is the first EP released on his record label Stay On Sight Recordings. This track packs a hard hitting bassline with the iconic Skin on Skin sound.
Demuja – Now You Know – This garage track (UK Vibes) from Austrian based Demuja released on the EP of the same name has a 90s feel to it, with an MC sample to help it really flow and provides a real catch to it too. A brilliantly versatile DJ and producer, this track shows the ability he has to create not only house and deep disco, but garage too.
DJ Seinfeld – Dreams of U and Me Above the Mezcal Moon – DJ Seinfeld has been one of my favourite DJs and producers for about four years now, and he excels every time. This is the first track from his latest release, Mezcalita EP; and is both euphoric and uplifting. A really nice opener to the EP from Seinfeld here, and really sets the tone for the rest of the release.
Earth Trax – Truth – Main Street Mix – Truth is a track I had discovered on one of my Spotify daily mixes, I had heard of Earth Trax before from Computer Data’s remix of I’m Not Afraid but never really listened to him until I heard this. This is another track with an almighty bassline throughout, and really captured my attention as a listener. A house track that really packs a punch and makes you want to move.
Mr Sosa – Horsepower – This is Mr Sosa’s second time in a row to feature in the On Repeat series, I just couldn’t help but feature him again. Horsepower is a track from his two track 2020 single of the same name. It is more upbeat and faster than So Much Funk, which was the track I spoke about in last month’s article. It is more energetic and something you can dance to, rather than relax to. Mr Sosa’s production skills are top notch, and is definitely one to look out for this year.
Louis Culture, Lord Apex, Lava La Rue – Culture for 17 – South West London rapper Louis Culture collaborated with fellow UK hip hop artists Lord Apex and Lava La Rue for this 2019 track. Both the instrumentals and verses in this track are fire, it is an absolutely solid bop. 2021 will be a big year for the three of them as they emerge from the underground scene.
Lana Del Rey – Born To Die – Throwing it back to the real, o.g me with this one. It has been nine years this month since Born To Die (Lana’s first album) was released so I have been re-listening to this album for its anniversary, and it still feels exactly like it did when I first listened all those years ago. Born to Die was the second single from the album to be released after Video Games, since which I have been completely and utterly obsessed with her. Born To Die is one of my favourite songs of all time as well as one of my favourites from this album. There is an incredible storytelling element and it has quite a melancholic feel to it, much like a lot of her work that she is notorious for. The video for this song also goes beautifully with it, with unique symbolism such as at the beginning when she is sat on a throne with a tiger either side of her. Re-listening to the album has only made me more excited for her next one, Chemtrails Over The Country Club which is out in March.
Brent Faiyaz, Tyler, The Creator – Gravity -Gravity is the latest single from alternative R&B artist Brent Faiyaz, with a feature from rapper Tyler, The Creator. Brent’s voice is so beautiful and dreamy and he is one of my favourite people to listen to; Tyler is equally one of the most unique artists out there. I really liked this release from them both, I thought it was a great collaboration and I am looking forward to hearing what they both come up with next.
Mount Kimbie – You Look Certain (I’m Not So Sure) – WXAXRXP Session with Andrea Balency – This track is probably the one I have been listening to the most this month out of all of them. I am a massive indie rock fan as well as dance music of any kind, and this poses exactly those vibes. Whilst Mount Kimbie are more of an electronic duo originating from dubstep, the post punk sound in this song is sublime and Andrea Balency’s vocals work really well too. I definitely prefer this WXAXRXP Session version to the original on Mount Kimbie’s Love What Survives album from 2017, it just sounds a lot nicer and is more melodic and crisp in the sound; it’s very easy on the ear.
Hot Chip – I need You Now – This is, without a doubt, my favourite of this month’s ten tracks. I don’t tend to order them but if I had to pick a top one, this would be it. Formed in 2000, Hot Chip are an electronic / alternative rock band, border lining house and dance music. From their 2015 album, Why Make Sense?, I need you now is beautiful from start to finish and induces goose bumps every time I listen to it. The main sample is from Sinnamon’s I Need You Now, which has been sampled several times in house music tracks, as well as in Joy Orbison and Overmono’s track, Bromley. Arguably one of the best alternative break up songs I have ever heard, it focuses on moving forwards and going after the person you are supposed to be, and dealing with living with yourself. There is a really vulnerable sentiment to this song.
All tracks featured in this month’s On Repeat post can be found in a Spotify playlist to enjoy yourself:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3E0kKPQ1Ot8i1bnMaps4gu?si=R20CYc_yTvCYIRnJW60xrQ
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