#NMFDance: Our Picks for the Week

Happy weekend from New Music Friday Dance. Bump some house, techno, and hardstyle to shake the weight of any worries and be present.

1. Control Room, Confession: “Rigamarole”

Control Room and Confession teamed up for “Rigamarole,” part of Confession’s new album, Discothèque Records Vol. 5. The track immediately opens with sirens and hard-hitting percussion, paired with 2 main vocal samples, one of which says to listeners, “Hands up!” Later on, thick, tense synths and a light piano join in, adding new sound textures and stimulation.

2. HUGEL, Diplo, Malou, Yuna: “Forever”

HUGEL, Diplo, Malou, and Yuna joined forces for “Forever.” Holding onto the last remnants of summer, the track is full of serenity, invoking an easy-going, beachy energy. HUGEL and Diplo combine their years of varied house production experience to create a soundscape that provides enveloping warmth, enhanced by Malou and Yuna’s dreamy vocals.

3. Sintra, Howie Conyack: “Wait For Me”

Sintra and Howie Conyack created a floaty atmosphere with their new single “Wait For Me.” It is a soft house track featuring a marimba-like loop and calming bass synth lines. Just before the 2-minute mark, the track strips back for a moment, leaving just the vocals and a few synth interjections. As the song progresses, more layers are added but do not take away from the calm nature of it.

4. Zachary Fremont, Confession: “Sub Go Dumb”

Another track from Confession‘s new album is “Sub Go Dumb” with Zachary Fremont. Delivering on the title, the roaring bass is the focal point of the track, rumbling through the ears. Combining the best elements of house and techno, the song is slightly hypnotic, emphasized by a nebulous key loop that joins in pre-drop. This one is a club banger.

5. ALESSA.A, maywax: “Let The Wind Blow”

How about some hardstyle? Japanese DJ ALESSA.A and maywax came back with “Let The Wind Blow.” True to the genre, the track is extra high-energy, exploding with layers upon layers of synths. The hopeful lyrics and uplifting vocals enhance the electrifying volume and power of the instrumentals. They sing, “We rise together in the wave.”

Check out our full playlist, now available on Spotify: