Equator Club - Calling You

A late crimbo present here from Chicago's Equator Club. 'Calling You' is a vibrant, glitch-out bit of Garage inspired House with all the pitched out vocals and dancefloor appeal you'd expect.
Equator Club has been pushing out consistantly high quality electronic releases for a while now, so we're looking forward to more of the same in the New Year, in his words this latest release is just 'a little taste of whats gonna be happening in the upcoming year!'.....watch this space.
Check the preview below and grab the FREE download via Facebook.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Taches - Stockhausen / Altona

I'l keep this one short and sweet, since its boxing day and we've all got plenty of drinking to do.
Senegal's Tåches has sent us over two more smooth, souful and unorthodox electronic tracks, dancing around somewhere in the 'Future Bass' catagory. Regardless of genre, the first, 'Stockhausen' is a poweful track with perfect vocal sample that rolls and builds the emotion throughout, until its anti-climatic ending. It certainly warrants the time to listen, it's only fault being that you'll wish it was longer.
Meanwhile 'Altona' seems to lean more on the R&B side of things starting with birdsong and an overt Mary J Blige sample but quickly turning on its side with the production borrowing elements of spaced out Trap to create something that sounds like the result of a Weekend/Space Ghost Purp collab. Whatever it is, its solid production and deep vibes have got us all excited. With each subsequent production we're certain Taches has got some serious talent, definitely one to keep an eye in 2013.
Check it out 'Stockhausen' and 'Altona' below and grab the FREE downloads here and here.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Joey Bada$$ x Pro Era – PEEP: The aPROcalypse

It's the 23rd December, the world didn't end, and we've got an early xmas present in the form of 'The aPROcalypse', the latest mixtape release from Brooklyn's Joey Bada$$ and the Pro Era collective planned to coincide with the ending of the Mayan calendar.  In case you're not up on these guys already, all you need to know is that they're making of the most exciting Hip-Hop to come out of the East Coast since 'Illmatic'...its that simple. Along with Joey, the Pro Era collective consists of CJ Fly, Chuck Strangers, Kirk Knight, and Capital STEEZ, all adding there own distinct qualities to the 'tight beats/tight lyrics' Pro Era formula.
A full review of this release may follow some time after the holidays, but you should nevertheless go ahead grab the FREE download straight away, confident in the knowledge that with 'The aPROcalypse' mixtape, Joey and Pro Era have once again managed to create one of 2012's best Hip-Hop release, and all 100% FREE here.
  WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Shoot The Ghost - Cotton Mouth

It's about that time, let's get deep and groovy with another FREE release courtesy of the lovely Annie Mac.
'Cotton Mouth' is a 4x4 exercise in how to make that perfect chewy Deep House vibe by UK Bass maestros Shoot The Ghost, complete with those sub bass rolls and crispy high we all know and love.
Grab the FREE download here and keep your eye out for Shoot The Ghost's forthcoming EP on MadTech, if 'Cotton Mouth' is anything to go by....it's gonna be FIRE!

WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Synthetic Epiphany - Thunderous

 If  you're a regular reader, then you'll already be very aware of  British producer Synthetic Epiphany and his consistently solid releases. Though he's no stranger to the broad horizons of electronic music, having contributed to genres all the way from the most obscure minimal ambiance, right to accessible 4x4 House, it seems like he's heading back to his dubstep roots with 'Thunderous'. The track enchants from the offset with a soothing chillstep opening that quickly begins to show it's darker side, before eventually descending into the track's chaotic and aggressive final third. All the way through however, the track remains consistently melodic and captivating, never forgetting the 'dub' roots of dubstep and carefully avoiding the common current mistake of LFO over-usage and garbage 'bro-step' synths.
Fans of that original UK sound will love the depth and breadth that Synthetic Epiphany brings here to a genre that to many is already long beaten to death (dubstep is dead....love live dubstep). Dubstep debate aside, 'Thunderous' stands out as yet another high quality production from a producer we've come to expect nothing less from.
Check out the tracks below and grab the FREE download here.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Skins - You Got To See

It's Monday afternoon and god knows we are all in need of a pick me up. Thankfully Skins got in touch to share their primo bit of 90s House revival, 'You Got To See'.
Pay attention House heads, this Aussie duo can give you everything you've ever wanted and needed; big 4tothefloor beats, uplifting synths, soulful vocal hooks and all the funky bassline you can vibe to. 'You Got To See' is pure nostalgia at it's very best and as the memories of raves gone by come back in all their chin-gurning glory, Skins are sure to cement a place in that special part of all our hearts reserved for proper House. No mess, no fuss, get your sneakers on and get jumping by grabbing the FREE download here.
Be sure to check out Skins other track 'The Way Downstairs' for more FREE Housey goodness (it's tropical!)....just make sure you don't chew your face off.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Buraka Som Sistema - Hangover (Maxx Baer Remix)

I'm still not sure where I stand on the whole 'Trap Music' movement that's increasingly gaining traction these days. It seems to be a genre of extremes; when it's bad...dear god it's bad, but when it's good....it goes as hard and vibey as a motherfucker. Nevertheless, it's an exciting and ever growing sub-genre that refuses to be ignored.
Most recently it's Maxx Baer's (formerly FoxClub) remix of Buraka Som Sistema's 'Hangover', a big vibrant instrumental track that packs a real punch of southern hospitality. 
Check it below and grab the FREE download here.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Adele - Rolling In The Deep (1963 Remix)

There's something beautifully chaotic about stumbling on to a piece of music like this, especially since the track's erractic structure seems to reflect the manner in which I found it...perhaps i'm delving too deep, who knows, it's a Friday.
The point is 1963's remix of 'Rolling In The Deep' isn't your typical rhythm refix or vocal sampling bass infusion, it goes much deeper than that. The French producer has wiped his hands of the original track, choosing instead to start from scratch, building it piece by piece from the ground up to create a truly unique and astounding audio experience. It's glitchy, it's deep and there's elements of bass music, trap, pop and even R&B scattered throughout with complete abandon, creating something that is altogther...something else. I can't and won't try to catagorise this track, rather I'll simply recommend that you listen yourself below. It's not the most accesible track, but give it the time it needs to sink in, let it wash over you. You'll soon be as glad as we are that you came across 1963. 
Grab the FREE download of the remix here.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Artful Dodger - Please Don't Turn Me On (Disclosure Remix)

Let face it, when you Disclosure alongside Artful Dodger in the title, you know it's gonna be good....
House and Garage heads rejoice, Disclosure's well rinsed and much loved remix of 'Please Don't Turn Me On' have finally been released to the public. What more is there to say, this track is a real groover so go ahead and grab the FREE download here. Serious vibes...Disclosure never disappoint.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Isadora - On The Rights

It feels like it's been an age since we were sent any indie music worth writing about, so it was a geniune thrill to hear a band as stimulating as Isadora.
On the immediate 'press packet' surface you'd be forgiven for thinking Isadora was simply more of the same; the story of the duo, that became a 5 piece band, an all Brooklyn tour calendar and a quirky - central protagonist based music video. It's all there and while it's always tempting to simply judge, slap on a badge and move on, there's actually something a little unusual going in there first single that warrants a little more time. It may take a few listens, but there's a truly intrigiuing side to there debut release 'On The Rights'.
The single opens with a certain apathy which jars against the melodic and aggressively jaded  vocals and occasional guitar laden stabs scattered from beginning to end. It builds and then breaks off, it takes you by the hand, but never really leads you anywhere, almost as if the song is on the verge of a nervous breakdown and desperately trying to hide it. It's and interesting sound and extremely hard to place, almost as if The Smashing Pumpkins decided to merge with Dinosaur Bones...well perhaps that's a stretch.  Quite simply it's strange and stranger still the song was premiered recently by Interview Magazine before the band had even played their first gig.  Nevertheless, the important thing is that 'On The Rights' is a captivating piece of music, whether it's simpy because of the 'strange' factor or something deeper is irrelevant at this point, rather it's got me thinking and that's what's really interesting.
Check out Isadora's 'On The Rights' below and grab the FREE download here.
Note: even the band's own mp3 download has their name as The Yes Way. Not often that band makes their debut whilst still between names, with that kind of chaos at heart there guys might just go on to be the greatest band ever.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Chill Bump - The Loop EP

French Hip-Hop duo Chill Bump have had a firm place on our radar ever since we covered 'Back To The Grain', one of their first EP releases and the record that really established their thoroughbred, 'DIY' Hip-Hop sound.
Now with their 4th EP release 'The Loop', producer Bankal and MC Miscellanious are looking to take things a little deeper, reflecting on their style, their hard work and and the growing success and acclaim that has come with each subsequent past release.
The pair waste no time, opening the EP with 'The Eponym', an introspective track in which Miscellanious dwells both on personal journey towards life as an artist and the growth of Chill Bump as an artistic and musical partnership. It's a sharply analytical track that flows with pride at the gratifying pay off of several years hard work, as well as the gratitude the pair feel to fans and journalists alike. It's an 'attention grabber' as Bankal's sharp vocal samples point out, a great opening and lead into the next track, 'Just a Sample'.

Straight away the second track's title harks back to the 'The Loop' EP as a whole, with Miscellanious remarking on the simplicity of finding success in Hip-Hop, the power and the limitations of what basically amounts to little more than ever-repeating audio loops or samples and the apathy that comes with the revelation of the music industry as a seemingly corresponding loop of money, success and disposable art/artists. Though the tone dips a little towards melancholy here, overall this is a track that swells with ego and pride, though perhaps replacing the optimism you'd expect with a certain future doubt. This feeling of uncertainty rolls over into 'Home Sweet Home', a track obsessed with dreaded things yet to come; the lows that will surely follow the highs, that same destructive power of success that has consumed many an artist before them. Chill Bump are slowly climbing their way to the top of a mountain of fame and fortune, but all they can see is the steep drop on the way down. However, despite the tone, this is yet another track that oozes confidence both through Bankal faultless production and Miscellanious' razor-sharp delivery. In this sense the whole album is somewhat of a musical and contextual oxymoron; the highest point of a commercial career, yet with all inspiration rooted in the fear of future failure and disappointment....
After all this deep introspection it's about that time for a breather in the form of the aptly named 'Pointerlude', a minute and fifty-two seconds of poignant instrumental and just enough time to let everything previous sink in.
From this point on contemplation and doubt are thrown aside in favor of confidence and good old fashioned balls as MC Miscellanious tears up  'Just a Sample pt.2' with all the aggression and lyrical force we've come to expect from him. He chooses to survive in the face of commercial failure and mortality,  boldly declaring, 'defy death and die with no regrets'. In one fell swoop, the duo have swept melancholy aside and chosen to embrace to the fear, the chaos and destruction, driving onward into the final track, 'Self Destrukt', a thought out and fearless closer complete with a primed Kool G Rap sample that confidently links the duo with one of Hip-Hop's greats...and, in my mind, deservedly so.
Altogether 'The Loop' is a journey, a reflection on creation, success and failure, and just the kind of poetic brilliance we've come to expect from Chill Bump. The French duo have been working towards this release for some time and it seems like the hard work and dedication has truly payed off in what is their most accomplished and emotionally open work to date. Although this might not be their most accessible release, it's certainly a sign of the pair's ever increasing creativity maturity and most likely of more future success to come.
'The Loop' EP is, as with each previous Chill Bump release, is available for FREE or Name Your Price download via Bandcamp.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Doorly ft. Soraya Vivian – Rush

With his earlier 'Pigeonhole This?!' releases, Doorly basically already proved that he's electronic music's jack of all trades, there's seriously nothing this man can't do. It should come as no surprise then that having now turned his hand to House music, the man is absoloutely killing it.
His latest release 'Rush' takes everything that ever hit raw and hard with that classic 90s House sound; euphoric piano leads, Soraya Vivian's soulful vocals, and a deep bassline groove, all complemented by that melodic organ lead. The release comes complete with a plethora of big remixes; highlights including Rail & Priors' sublime DnB effort, as well as Problem Child's 2-step/Bass fest.
All in all 'Rush' is one hell of a release with original mix and remixes alike already on every decent DJ's rinse list. Thanks to some serious generosity from Mad Decent, the whole release is available for FREE download here, so grab it now before they change their minds.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Isaac Tichauer - I Forgive You

Regular readers will already know that as far as we are concerned, everything the Sydney based Isaac Tichauer touches turns to gold, vibrant housey audio gold. His latest release, 'I Forgive You' is no exception to this rule, with all the nicely pitched vocals and deep house grooves we need. Plus, just as with his former releases, 'I Forgive You' is a totally FREE download, once again on the French Express label so grab it now and start getting into the vibes....suddenly the weekend doesn't feel that far away.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Burial - In McDonalds (Coust Remix)

It's been a long, long time since we've heard anything new from the atmospheric garage master that is Burial. Fortunately french producer Coust has felt our pain and sent over his remix of 'In McDonalds' to help settle our cravings. Coust takes the tiny, yet beautifully atmospheric short from Burial's 'Untrue' release and crafts it into a powerful, spacial track that honors the spirit of the original whilst standing out all on its own. This is a track for the guys who've been missing Burial, the late misty morning post ravers and the guys that know that feeling, when the 24hr McDonalds is the only destination left.
Check the track below and grab the FREE download before the limit runs out.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...

Synthetic Epiphany ft. CoMa - Sleep, The Division

We've covered a lot of stuff from British producer Synthetic Epiphany over the last year, and the fact remains that when it comes to intelligent and well produced chillstep, nobody can touch him. In his latest track, 'Sleep, The Division', he collaborates once more with Coma and her sultry vocals to create a track that is as dark and atmospheric as they come.
Grab the FREE download here and be sure to check out Synthetic Epiphany's latest FREE EP releases if you haven't already.
WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter
Read more ...