Dillon Francis – Money Sucks Friends Rule [3.5/4]

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Marcin

Marcin

Wow, what a difference a year can make; the last time I saw Dillon Francis was at the Aragon Ballroom when he played an after party with Excision. Unfortunately both let me down that night and I ended up leaving the show early. Fast forward to 2014 after months of touring the biggest festivals in the world and releasing a few hit singles Dillon Francis comes out with a much anticipated 1^st album Money Sucks Friends Rule. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from Dillon, but I started to like his sound after he dropped his single “Messages” and after “Get Low” hit the airwaves I knew I wanted more. That song alone got Dj Snake on my radar. Money Sucks, Friends Rule will definitely give everyone something to listen to. The first song “All that” had to grow on me mainly because of the hip hop influence once it did it completed what is a very multi dimensional album that you can put on repeat for nonstop dancing action. From slower songs to some awesome melodies and drops this album has it all. If you needed any more reason to see Dillon at the Aragon ballroom on Friday December 5, this is it. I give this album 4 out of 4 stars.

Nina:

Dillon Francis’ first album, “Money Sucks, Friends Rule”, takes #65 on the iTunes top album chart. The DJ granted his fans an album with tons of variety. One song contains rap and dubstep while another has a melody and vocals. You’ll definitely start hearing Francis’ songs at the parties and clubs you go to. I’m rating “Money Sucks, Friends Rule” a 3 out of 4 stars for the vibes and originality.

Cathy:

The album, Money Sucks, Friends Rule, is quite possibly close to perfect! It really comes to no surprise when we find out that Dillon Francis is topping charts left and right. This album offers hit after hit, everybody will find a song on here that they cannot stop replaying. It is honestly refreshing to hear such a great album after well a pretty silent period of NEW in the EDM community. I seriously can’t take it when I listen to “I Can’t Take It.” “We Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” is absolutely weird, but it’s Dillon Francis, so I love it. A refreshing song that is bliss is my ears is most definitely “When We Were Young.” And I think we all know “What’s that Spell.” This album 100% convinced me to see Dillon Francis Dec 5th in Chicago! I”ll go von deeper for this one and give DJ Hanzel/ Rave Dad/ Diplo’s BFF a 4 out of 4!

Iza:

Dillon Francis’ first album and the most anticipated album of the year brings the best of all worlds to one album by mixing in all types of genres and artists. In just 12 tracks, Dillon manages to squeeze in mumbathon, pop, funk, house, and trap. This album is very original and it is obvious that Dillon put a lot of effort into it. My personal favorite is “Drunk All The Time” since it is a bit calmer (I’m a trance fan). I also like “We Make it Bounce” since I am a Major Lazer fan. Since he has blown fans away during his sets in the last year, I will be sure to see him on his tour. I give this album a 3/4.

Steve Aoki – Neon Future I Review [2.5/4]

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Marcin

Iza:

Aoki’s new album Neon Future I was a less anticipated album of the few coming out around the same time. Obviously listeners didn’t know what to expect since Aoki hasn’t been at the top of the charts for a while. Aoki compiled tracks with many unexpected vocalists and artists such as Will.i.am, Waka Flocka, Fall Out Boy, Flux Pavilion, and Chris Lake. My personal favorite track, “Neon Future” , features Luke Steele from Empire of the Sun. All of these songs are more party themed and are very catchy. I give it 3/4!

Cathy:

“Back to Earth,” which features Fall Out Boy is an interesting twist to the whole album and even the EDM scene. Waka Flocka and Kid Ink rap over the albums two catchiest tracks to me, “Rage the Night Away” and “Delirious.” So from Pete Wentz to Flocka this album basically breaks all barriers. Aoki proved that EDM is so much more than some catchy beats, a loud bass, and random vocals. Overall this is not a super catchy album I’ll see myself listening to but, I will give him credit for trying something new. Neon Future I receives a solid 2 out of 4 from me.

Marcin:

I’ve always liked Steve Aoki, his music is always on point and his shows are full of energy. Even though I don’t see how throwing cakes or riding a blown up water raft is relevant to the music. Regardless Neon Future I is a solid album. The 4 singles released to build hype for the album ( Rage The Night Away, Delirious, Free The Madness, Get me Outta Here) are definitely hits even though by now they have been overplayed, “Back to Earth” which features Fall Out Boy is a pleasant surprise on the album. It continues with Aoki’s trend of working with non EDM artists. The album is exactly what you expect of Aoki with a futuristic theme. That being said the album is good not great. I give it 3 out of 4 stars.

Nina:

Neon Future I, is the mainstream edm scene at its finest. This album lacks creativity and sounds like a typical Aoki track. The album shows that he’s putting too much effort caking fans and not enough effort trying to make good music. No song on the album struck me as a edm music fan; therefore, I’m giving “Neon Future I” a 1 out of 4 stars for being totally predictable.

Borgore – #NEWGOREORDER Review [3/4]

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Marcin

“Dirty lyrics and dirty beats is the basis for the #NEWGOREORDER according to Asaf Borger, professionally known as Borgore. This album is home to the no-holds-barred raunchy lyrics and unique sounds he perfected by mixing trap, dubstep, and big room house. Featured guests, vocalists and producers, include Malcolm McDowell, Dan Farber, Adi Ulmansky, Miley Cyrus, Jake Sgarlato, and Yael.

The album starts off with its title track “#NEWGOREORDER”, lyrics by Malcolm McDowell-the actor from A Clockwork Orange- in a series of hypothetical’s including, but not limited to, imagining a world where people look like their profile pictures, having no questions because we have ALL the answers, and as perfect as a certain female’s breasts (shout out Kate Upton). Borgore could not resist doing big room house and did not disappoint with tracks such as “Hate”, “Be Ourselves”, and personal favorite “Piñata”. Tracks like “Syrup”, “Last Year”, and “Fame” showcase those Borgore-esque lyrics all his fans love him dearly for. Borgore’s #NEWGOREORDER is an exclamation of his renowned lyrics, drops, and bass. The album deserves 4 out of 4 stars”.

-AMANDO

“Borgore has grown on me over the years since I first heard Borgore Ruined Dubstep in 2010, with my favorite track being “Nympho”. His R rated lyrical themes and dirty beats instantly created a style of dubstep no one ever heard before. This though didn’t sit well with everyone including me, but it did create a very supportive fan base of borewhores. Over the years as his releases became more “mainstream” with “Decisions” being an instant hit. Though he always stayed true to his style, Borgore expanded his scope of work in #NewGoreOrder where there is an evident influence of trap and big room house. His Lyrics are still funny and controversial and his beats very cleanly produced but still dirty. The album is everything good about Borgore amplified; I’m playing the album on repeat. Stop reading and go listen. [4/4]”

-MARCIN

“Well I sure did not have to make any hard “Decision’s” figuring out how much I loved Borgore’s new album “#NEWGOREORDER”! Borgore takes raunchy rhymes, and “Ratchets” to a whole new level. Borgore was able to perfectly touch trap, dubstep, and even big room house, all into one phenomenal album. Borgore greatly differentiates himself from other EDM artists, and that is something we seem to be lacking more and more in our scene. The roaring sound of Borgore’s new production is sure to remain ringing in our ears for quite some time! I’d give more if I could but Borgore definitely receives 4 out of 4 stars from me! It’s clear that Borgore has everyone clapping their hands (or other parts of their body), loving cake, wanting it all, and hash tagging #bootyforborgore. “#NEWGOREORDER” says to continue on with the madness!”

-CATHY

“After listening to Borgore’s new album #newgoreorder and I have to say by far this is the worst album I have ever heard. This is the reason why the word ‘brostep’ exists, I tried to come into reviewing this album with an open mind but I would have rather listened to a Miley Cyrus rap song. Oh wait, she’s on this album too. Borgore’s attempt at rapping on this album was as good as being Brazilian in this year’s World Cup against Germany. Yes, in my opinion, this album was THAT bad. But I can’t blame Borgore, it was the record label that let this through. To each his own, from my understanding his fan base is a bunch of horny teenagers, at least someone likes him. 0 out of 4 stars”.

-Mario

“#NEWGOREORDER is one of the best albums that I have heard this year. Although I have already been a fan of Borgore’s, this album made me like him so much more. “Decisions”, “Body and Soul”, and “Last Year” are my personal favorites because they are very different. Borgore stepped away from the mainstream beats and added vocals (including his own rapping) to create very catchy dirty tracks. I will be keeping an eye out and hoping that Borgore will grace us with his presence in Chicago.. This album deserves 4 out of 4″.

-IZABELA

Gareth Emery – Drive Review [3/4]

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Marcin

Gareth Emery began working on his new album after going on a road trip across the US with his wife. He named the new album “Drive”. The album has a great opening song (Entrada) that draws you in automatically. Once you listen to the rest of the songs, you get more of a sense of the Gareth Emery we all know and love. This album is very vocal and I personally love it. There are a few of songs on the album that have already out shined the others and have climbed the list of current top tracks. The songs include Million Years, Lights & Thunder, U, and Eye of the Storm. I think Gareth Emery did an excellent job and I am glad to see him back on the charts. The album deserves 4/4 stars!
-Iza [4/4]

Gareth Emery’s “Drive”proves that Trance is not a dead genre and that more than a handful of DJs can still produce it at a high level. It’s no surprise that some of the biggest A-List DJs have dropped Emery’s singles in their sets; including the reigning king of Trance himself; Armin Van Buuren. The album is almost perfect, with the exception of a few very slow vocally packed tracks in the beginning of the album. This is something I’m not a huge fan off, but it didn’t stop be from cruising through the rest of the album without hesitation. This is a trance album that does exactly what it’s supposed to do, take you on a journey from the first to last track without you realizing an hour has passed. I give “Drive” a very strong 3 out of 4 stars.
-Marcin [3/4]

Electronic Dance Music sensation Gareth Emery is back with his new album “Drive,” which I must admit has really surprised me on a very positive note. You can easily tell Gareth put his heart and soul into this album; therefore it is awesome to have such refreshing music from one of the most underrated DJs in the electronic dance scene. It is easy to tell that Gareth strongly focused on making sure each song is distinct in its own unique way. “Lights & Thunder” featuring Krewella is definitely one of my favorite songs on this album and is sure to soon find its way to mainstream radio stations. “Entrada” will for sure be considered an EDM festival banger this summer. On the chill side of the album “Soldier” featuring Roxanne Emery has really got me playing it on replay non-stop. “Drive” is receiving a solid 3 out of 4 stars on this incredible album.
-Cathy [3/4]

Gareth Emery released “Drive” on April 1st, a follow up to “Northern Lights” four years later. “Drive” is the prime example of Gareth Emery’s aptitude of bringing Trance, Progressive, and House into a melting pot that takes the listener for a drive (no pun intended). The journey throughout the album takes the listener through classic vocal tracks featuring Christina Novelli, progressive tracks featuring the one and only, Ben Gold, and uplifting instrumentals. “Drive” should not be taken as a “Trance” album, or just another “EDM” album, but an album that inspires feelings, causes emotion, and most importantly personal discoveries. It’s tough to judge every single song because they are all unique and special in their own way. Gareth Emery’s time and effort into this album is worth the listen to especially front to back. This extraordinary album will be one of this year’s most diverse and well produced albums we may encounter this year.
-Amando [4/4]

I give this album 2/4 stars. Very uplifting, and very vocal album, ironically I only see myself listening to this album in my car, or on a long cruise. I enjoy GE live, but this album does not do him justice, but that’s just my opinion.
-Mario U [2/4]

Skrillex – Recess Review [2.5/4]

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Marcin

Skirllex’s new album Recess was given a lot of attention right after its release on March 14, 2014. Initially fans thought Skrillex release a new “app”. Little did they know this was a link to his new album. At first I would have given the album 3 out of 4 stars. I found songs
such as “All is Fair in Love and Brostep”, “Recess”, “Ease My Mind’, and Dirty Vibe” to be very catchy and liked the reggae incorporation. Once I listened to the full album and looked at it as a whole, I changed my mind and rate if 2 out of 4 stars. Besides the songs listed above, I do not really like the other 7 songs. Skrillex had a great opportunity to blow his fans away but unfortunately I don’t think he did so.
-Iza [2/4]

Since bursting onto the EDM scene just a few years ago Sonny Moore aka Skrillex immediately made an impact with his amazing bass drops, hectic synth riffs and catchy tunes, putting Dubstep in the forefront of EDM Sub Genres. What followed was a slew a more artists with their own variations of the genre, but The King of Dubstep (as I dubbed him) reined supreme as his was the most mainstream and cleanly produced Dubstep in my opinion. With his first 2 albums being Dubstep Masterpieces, you’d figure his third would continue the trend, unfortunately that does not happen. Recess in my opinion is a flop in Skrillex/dubstep terms. If you like trap/hip hop/ reggae you will like the album as Skrillex takes a chance and collaborates with several different artists to create new sound. If you’re looking for that Skrillex sound of Bangarang and Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites you’re are in for a disappointment.I give Recess a generous 2 of 4 stars with the hope Skrillex will go back to what he does best.
-Marcin [2/4]

Who could forget when “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” stole the charts a couple years ago, but with such great potential and his obvious talent, Skrillex really disappointed me with his new album “Recess.” On a brighter note, “Ease My Mind” which is practically the only song I enjoy on the album Recess, the very catchy chorus “Dj ease my mind will you, play that song again, cause we were in love,” has really got me believing that this song is going to be the new EDM “anthem” very soon. But sadly the album as a whole is only going to receive 2 out of 4 stars from me, Skrillex both had the potential and the opportunity to release yet another great album, yet he did not leave me hungry for me.
-Cathy [2/4]

After listening to Skrillex’s new album Recess, several times I can honestly say that this album is amazing by far. The fact that it isn’t your run of the mill big room house album and is just so different in the sense that Skrillex keeps his style of dubstep that he is well known for, and he then brings in a style mixed with hip hop, and reggae. I honestly did not expect this album to be as great as it is, with collaborations with Diplo, CL,Kill the Noise, Fatman Scoop,and Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper I was nothing more than amazed. I give Recess 4 out of 4 Chicago Stars. Good Job Skrill, bravo!
-Mario [4/4]

Sonny Moore, also known as Skrillex displays a versatile side to him in “Recess” than we have ever seen in his previous works. Skrillex is known for his hard bass drops, intolerable kid screams, and irritable screech noises. However Moore gives us a break from traditional dubstep and an inside look to the variety that is his genius. Skrillex opens his new EP with “All is Fair in Love and Brostep” featuring Ragga Twins, which invites and captures all those original Skrillex fans. Sure the opener sounds like regular, out-dated dubstep but Skrillex then proceeds to instill these drops that seemed to be hemmed for the featured artist. In “Coast Is Clear” Skrillex barely trademarks this tune while letting Chicago’s very own rising hip-hop artist Chance The Rapper take flight and take the listener with him. Kinda feel that Sonny restrained himself on this album (my opinion) give it 3/4 stars.
-Amando [3/4]

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Tag Archives: album review

Dillon Francis – Money Sucks Friends Rule [3.5/4]

Steve Aoki – Neon Future I Review [2.5/4]

Borgore – #NEWGOREORDER Review [3/4]

Gareth Emery – Drive Review [3/4]

Skrillex – Recess Review [2.5/4]