February 2012 ~ HotBox

Deadmau5 - Strobe (Mr FijiWiji Remix)

There's something about Deadmau5 tracks that lends them to melodic and euphoric dubstep remixes. Mr. FijiWiji's take on 'Strobe' is by far the best i've heard since Adam Day's transcendant electro mix.
The remix is all the more impressive when you take Mr. FijiWiji's age into consideration, at just 16 years old this guy is showing some incredibly impressive talent.
The remix is solid, melodic and really adds to Deadmau5's original masterpiece, combined with a few samples of sombre and infamous words from Charlie Chaplin's 'The Great Dictator' speech and you've got a track with real poignancy...this one will make the hairs on your neck stand up.
Download the track below for FREE via his Facebook page and enjoy...

Deadmau5 - Strobe (Mr FijiWiji Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD on my facebook page] by Mr FijiWiji

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Album: Rick Ross X Bruce Springsteen - Boss vs Boss (Jonathan Lee Mash-Up)

I've always had a certain respect for Bruce Springsteen, and yet I wouldn't consider myself a fan....the same can be said for the industry's other 'Boss', Rick Ross.
It's hard to say where mash-up producer Jonathan Lee's got the inspiration for this blend of bosses, and I can't even say whether I'm 100% confident whether it works or not. 'Born To Run' and 'Secret Garden' seem to work effortlessly, an eclectic blend of two great but far removed artists. Yet tracks like 'Blood Brothers' and 'Streets of Philadelphia' vary from moments of harmony to sounding like clashing records from separate speakers.
Regardless, even if only for it's sheer audacity this Mash-Up album is worth a listen. Some die-hard fans are bound to get upset, however the concept will bring a smirk to the mouth of most and maybe even a genuine intrigue and love for this unusual combination....just like whiskey and mint, it shouldn't work, but it does...and this album is arguably one hell of a julep.
Besides, it's a FREE release....so what have you got to lose, preview below and d/l here

Rick Ross X Bruce Springsteen - Boss vs Boss by yearofthelee

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Jordan Klassen - Go To Me

I've been posting alot of electronic music lately, so it's nice to post something a little more laid back and easy.
On my first listen of 'Go To Me' that Vancouver indie sound was immediately evident, that's no bad thing, what with Vancouver producing big talents such as the likes of Teen Daze and The Japandroids.
The song effortlessly teases a smile out of the listener and echoes The Shins by the bridge, ultimately however it's the song's easy, if cheesy, chorus which secures a long lasting appeal as a indie heart-warmer....
Check it out below and download for FREE below or grab the whole 'Kindness' EP from Bandcamp

Go To Me - Jordan Klassen by JordanKlassen

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Album: Muzzy - Colours & Distractions

Well here's a gift for a Sunday. Basingstoke's top DnB/Dubstep/Bass producer Muzzy, has dropped his huge 21 track album 'Colours & Distractions' for FREE. It's a great album chock full of energetic jump-up DnB and big heavy bass laden tracks. Muzzy's signature sound is kind of glitchy yet melodic....personally it reminds me of a blend of early Pendulum and hip-hop sampling along the lines of early Prodigy. Either way, it's a cracker and not to be missed check out the preview album mix below and grab the whole album asap while its still 100% FREE here.

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Gorillaz - DoYaThing ft. James Murphy & Andre 3000

Gorillaz are back in what appears to be a return to form (after the disappointment of 'Plastic Beach) in a collaboration with Andre 3000 and James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem.
'DoYaThing' is a damn fine and funky track, all the more sweetened by Andre 3000's excellent verses and delivery, which have been noticeably absent from the world of music lately.
Personally I'm not the biggest fan of Gorillaz but it's hard for me to fault anything fronted by Damon Albarn.
The track has been released for FREE via Converse as part of some Gorillaz Chuck Taylor sneaker promotion...and as of yet there's very little word as to whether this means a new album is in the works, however I'd put my money on it.

Gorillaz featuring Andre 3000 and James Murphy - DoYaThing by LBYB

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Bitrok - Constellation Down ft. Johnny Mackay

I don't know what it is about Australia that breeds great electronic artists, but frankly i'm not complaining.

Electronic duo Ryan Dickinson and Ollie Bowler aka Bitrok are the latest group to send us their tracks all the way from down under.
Whilst they tend to cater towards the more dance oriented end of electronica, their latest single 'Constellation Down' has a sort of indie vibe, reminiscent almost of something by Foals or Crystal Castles.
Either way, these Brisbane natives have put together a pretty sweet track and equally good video to boot. Check it out below....'Constellation Down' and Bitrok's debut album are available via iTunes.

Constellation Down feat Johnny Mackay (Radio edit) by bitrok

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Δkkord - Δkkord[001]

Remember our post on Δkkord? Well their press team just got in touch with us to finally reveal a little about them.

∆kkord are a collective of like minded artists raised in and around the rural outskirts of Manchester. Together they draw upon years of musical knowledge & production experience to collectively channel their sound into a eclectic hybrid of all the electronic music they were brought up on, combined with a passion for minimalism, art, design, mathematics and sacred geometry.

Sounds pretty sweet don't it. There's no doubt these guys are gonna be huge, especially since we're pretty confident Synkro and Indigo are involved somehow in all this...it's gonna be post-dubstep/future garage/minimal bliss.
The debut release 'Δkkord[001]' is gonna be available for pre-order 27/02 on vinyl and digital from Boomkat. In the meantime, preview the release below, and watch this space......

Δkkord 001 by Δkkord

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Wild Belle - Keep You

Brother and Sister duo Natalie & Eliot Bergman aka Wild Belle are starting make an impact on the internet. Based out of Chicago, these newcomers are garnering some serious attention regarding their indie/reggae crossover sound and with smooth dubby vibes like those in 'Keep You' it's hardly surprising.
If you're a fan of artists like Waldeck or Hollie Cook then you're in for a treat, check out the player below and download for FREE here

Black Matter & Monolith - Better Off Alone (Rework)

If i'm honest, such heavy, pounding electro/techno wouldn't normally be my style, but there's something so fantastic about Black Matter's tribute to the classic 'Better Off Alone' that I just can't describe....besides it brings back fond memories.....
Enjoy and grab for FREE below...

BLACK MATTER & MONOLITH - Better Off Alone by BLACK MATTER

Stanton Warriors & Tensnake - Coma Cat (Stanton Warriors ReBump)

In 2010 Hamburg's own Tensnake dropped the anthem 'Coma Cat', complete with sweet summery vibes and a fairly epic music video.
It may be along way from summer now, but that hasn't stopped remix genius Stanton Warriors from taking a crack at splicing, shifting and reinvigorating this house anthem. A what a job they've done, a slight key change, a few chop ups and bit of magic has kept the summery vibes of the song, while adding a dancier...almost euphoric dimension to the track.
I wouldn't say that 'Coma Cat' has been dead since 2012 (I still love the original long time), but the Stanton boys have still managed to give it a whole new lease of life....and that's how you 'ReBump'.
Grab it below, for FREE

Coma Cat - Stanton Warriors Re Bump by Stanton Warriors

Knxwledge - OvrMyne ft. Drake

Before I start this feature, I should probably point out that I don't like Drake....at all. His auto tuned, jumped up, wheelchair jimmy pop flow bullshit, embodies pretty much everything that's wrong or should I say vacant from hip-hop these days....but I digress....
This ain't about Drake this is about Knxwledge one of the best damn producers i've ever come across, so damn good infact, that in the warm filters of 'OvrMyne' he even manages to make Drizzy's original verses from 'Over My Dead Body' sound decent, poetic even.
I should also point out, that while I think 'OvrMyne' is a stand out track, it's hardly the only, or even the newest, thing from Knxwledge. The man has been producing for years, with a Soundcloud full of tunes and quite a few EPs and LPs available via his Bandcamp.
His sound is blended, distorted, yet warm.....combining mash-ups, medleys, sampled rhymes, percussion and melodies both borrowed and original...all to create something pretty damn unique. It's hard to describe (so you best listen below) but it's raw talent and one that surely deserves some recognition.
Update: Knxwledge - OvrMyne ft. Drake FREE d/l link (low quality)

Skaters - Schemers EP

An indie band out of NYC called Skaters eh? Ok I can already hear your skepticism, but never fear, this ain't no cut and paste indie/pop record label creation.
No, no, no....these are the guys that opened for The Strokes, their Little Joy’s back up band....so you know they've got to be good....and indeed they are.

These New Yorkers have chosen to abandon the slick production values of the studio, opting instead for that lo-fi garage-rock sound that's been missing since The Courteeners.

Their debut EP, 'Schemers,' is a 5 track eclectic mix of gritty and reverberated guitars, unusual percussion, pleasantly lax vocals and an incessantly catchy anthems. It's far from perfect, however and could arguably do with some of that ever absent 'studio polish', but then again that's all part of the charm.
It probably won't be your favorite album this year, but it's still well worth checking out this promising young band..especially since their EP is totally FREE here....grab it now!

SKATERS: Schemers by wearesolidgold

Maduk - Hourglass

The Weekend is almost over and the hangovers are setting in, thank god for FREE music, this time in the form of Dutch liquid master Maduk and his track 'Hourglass'.
Grab it over at Soundcloud and check out the alternate vocal mix of the track featuring Veela below, also available for FREE.
I feel better already...

Maduk - Hourglass [Free Download] by Maduk

Maduk ft Veela - Ghost Assassin (Hourglass Bonusmix) [Free Download] by Maduk

Filip Filipi - Big City Chaser (feat. Mansions On The Moon)

I'm normally a fan of, well...Serbian/Canadian rap......and Filip Filipi's laid back and loose rhythm structure and lyrical construction wouldn't normally suit my style (more of a Kweli and Mos Def man I spose). However there's nothing like the tight production of Mansion On The Moon and The Neptune's Pharrell to spice up a track.
While Filip Filipi rhymes might not be the best, his delivery is solid and suits the overall chilled vibe of the track...factor in that it's a FREE release and this is an easy win for electro/hip-hop fans.
Check out the track below and grab the d/l for FREE here.
If Filip Filipi catches your ear then check out his harder hitting release 'Kosovka'...also a FREE d/l.

Filip Filipi - Big City Chaser (feat. Mansions On The Moon) by Filip Filipi

Radiohead - Codex (Hannes Fischer Edit)

Hannes Fischer has popped up on our radar before and it seems that when it comes to all things Progressive House, this Berliner is one to keep an eye on.
As with his other work, his remix of Radiohead's 'Codex' is well produced and tastefully put together, detracting nothing from the original and adding everything.
Check him out below and grab the FREE d/l while it lasts...

Paul Haslinger - Eternity And A Day (Prophet Remix)

Before you read this, just listen to the track below...ok? Heard it? Good. Now allow me to introduce Prophet aka Dark Jedi aka Pritam Singh, the kid from Birmingham who produced this remix in the spare 2-3 hours a week he gets at college.....pretty amazing eh? Clearly the kids got talent, one to watch for the future I think. The 'Eternity And A Day' remix is still available for FREE d/l via Soundcloud so head on over and show Prophet some love.

Paul Haslinger - Eternity And A Day (Prophet Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD] by Dark Jedi

Synthetic Epiphany - A New Path To The Waterfall

The lad from Hereford has struck again.....Synthetic Epiphany has yet to release a disappointing tune and 'A New Path To The Waterfall' is no exception...it's tunes like these that give me hope for the Dubstep formula. No more needed to be said on this one, check it out below and follow the man on Soundcloud...where it's a FREE d/l as always.

Synthetic Epiphany - A New Path To The Waterfall by Synthetic Epiphany

Wildlife Control - Analog or Digital

A while ago we covered Wildlife Control's awesome anthem 'Analog or Digital'.
Well their promo team got in touch to let us know about the video they've released alongside it....needless to say it's a pretty sweet mix of stop motion and timelapse footage, shot impressively in one take.....and set entirely at Ocean Beach in Frisco. Check it out below...

Mansions On The Moon - Take A Look/Lightyears EP

Mansion On The Moon's 'Lightyears' EP is almost ready to drop, but while we wait here's another sneak preview of one of the included tracks, 'Take A Look'.
Check it out below.....eagerly anticipating this release.

UPDATE: 'Lightyears' has dropped on VibeDeck for FREE and on iTunes grab it now!

Carousel - Open Road

The lads from Carousel have just sent us over their latest track, 'Open Road'. As we've come to expect from the Boston band, this is another high quality and unbelievably catchy indie/pop/synth tune..... you won't be able to get that hook out of you head for weeks.
Grab it now while it's FREE here or over at Soundcloud

Carousel - Open Road by carousel_official

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Amptek - The Way I Feel EP

When it comes to DnB releases, you really can't go wrong with Point Audio. These guys know talent and are constantly helping fresh artists get their work out there.
Artists like Amptek, who with his EP 'The Way I Feel' has created something truly epic. While the bpm may well linger around the 170 mark for the most part throughout the EP, Amptek hasn't just created some 'more of the same' Drum & Bass, instead what we get is an extremely emotional ride. His well produced and deeply meaningful tracks are laden with complexity and the kind of care and attention that separates the good from the great. By the time you've reached the rolling piano crescendo of the EP's final track, 'Summer Ending,' you'll be crying out for more.
High quality, yet cut down versions of the tracks are available for FREE via Soundcloud, but why not go ahead and grab the full release over at Bandcamp, it's only $4....a bargain in anyone's book.

Amptek "The way I feel" by Point Audio

Keeno feat. Fifi Smart - Rephrase & Rewind (Simage Remix)

It's now officially Monday, the weekend is over....but don't fret, we've got something to cheer you up.
The nice folks over at Point Audio have sent us over a little FREE gem, Simage's remix of 'Rephrase & Rewind ' by Keeno.
While the original is undoubtably wonderful, haunted by the powerful vocal talents of Fifi Smart, the remix takes it one step further to create an excellent piece of emotional and immersive Liquid DnB, with just enough jazzy licks in there to keep the toes moving.
This is a no brainer snatch and grab, get on it now! And while you're at it check out the original tune, plus the other brilliant remixes below.

Keeno (ft. Fifi Smart) - Rephrase & Rewind (Simage Remix) by Point Audio

Keeno feat. Fifi Smart "Rephrase and Rewind by Point Audio

Synthetic Epiphany - Reverence

I know some ambient chilled music might not be the ideal post for a Friday, but i just couldn't hold this one back, especially since this track is doing wonders for my hangover.
Nevertheless, with out further ado I present 'Reverence ' by Synthetic Epiphany.
We've posted stuff from Synthetic Epiphany before and once again he doesn't disappoint, 'Reverence' is a truly mind blowing track, enriched with multiple layers of complex percussion, sub bass and wonderful melodies, all wrapped up in a time scheme that's somewhere between garage and dubstep (that wonderful 140bpm mark). As with his other tracks Synthetic Epiphany has decided to give this one out for FREE, an easy decision then...go grab it.

Synthetic Epiphany - Reverence by Synthetic Epiphany

Wildcat! Wildcat! - Mr. Quiche/End Of The World Everyday

Jesse Taylor, Michael Wilson, and Jesse Carmichael have known each other and made music together since they were 14 years old. This recent collaboration called Wildcat! Wildcat! exemplifies quality taste, sexy beats, and beautiful thoughtfulness in songwriting.

Unfortunately the above blurb is all we can tell you about LA band Wildcat! Wildcat!
Despite the lack of info however, this is certainly no band to be ignored. Their blend of indie rock vibes, synth textures, and infectious vocal lines makes tracks like 'Mr. Quiche' and 'End Of The World Everyday', not just some of the best, but also some of the most inventive indie music i've heard in recent months. What's more, the band are currently offering their music for FREE via Bandcamp and Soundcloud.
Grab these two tracks asap and keep an eye out for more from Wildcat! Wildcat! It's been a long time since I've encountered an indie band that really get me excited about music....I see big things ahead for them.

Wildcat! Wildcat! - Mr. Quiche by Wildcat! Wildcat!

Wildcat! Wildcat! - End Of The World Everyday by Wildcat! Wildcat!

Shem - Future Face

You just can't beat a bit of FREE DnB and this week polish producer Shem has dropped his track 'Future Face', a hard hitting piece of jump up DnB, which he describes as Neurofunk....whatever that might be. Either way, if you're a fan of Noisia, or Spor or better yet, if you follow Shem on YouTube then you'll already know that this is quality and well produced music, full of impact, just the kind we like.
Download for FREE here...

Shem - Future Face [FREE DOWNLOAD] by Shemassault

WiSkiM - Morningstar

Normally we'd save a track like this for the Sunday chill, but beauty like this can't be held back. Belgian producer WiSkiM has made a deep ambient masterpiece in 'Morning Star'. It's tribal, bongo lead percussion blends seamlessly with beautiful piano melodies and synth backdrops. This is spacious, visceral music and demands your attention....more over it's available for FREE here. Grab it now and swing by WiSkiM's soundcloud to show your appreciation.

WiSkiM - Morningstar --- http://www.mediafire.com/?1iuy8xw53uaqwoz by WiSkiM

TEED - Tapes & Money

That's right it's a new jam from Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, it's called 'Tapes & Money' and it's a pure masterclass in dance.....we'll have to wait til April 2nd for this one, the anticipation is killing me.

Tapes & Money [Soundcloud edit] NEW SINGLE 02/04/2012 by T-E-E-D

Ben Benecke - These Feelings

Mondays, we hate them, but here's a little something to brighten it up.
Up and coming producer Ben Benecke has just released a sweet bit of minimal Dubstep that will sooth what ails ya. Even better, it's FREE here. Maybe Mondays ain't so bad.
Sweet day dreams.....

Glass Towers - Jumanji

I'm often saying that the best indie music is coming out of Australia these days and Glass Towers are yet another band that proves it.
'Jumanji' is a sweet little indie/pop tune that's instantly catchy and uplifting, sure to give you a much needed Sunday boost.
Check Glass Towers soundcloud for more good stuff, no download yet, but heres hoping for a release soon.

DUNES - You Again

It's always nice to receive audio treats via the email inbox. We get a real mix, it's not always brilliant and alot of stuff doesn't quite make it onto the HotBox. However, every now and then we get a real gem, an instant classic, a hooky masterpiece.....
On that note, allow me to introduce DUNES a House/Garage/Bass producer from Brooklyn who's making some seriously vibey tunes. His latest FREE release, 'You Again' is inescapably smooth, with sweet vocals, rolling bass and tight production all round. This is chilled, minimal house at it's very best, sure to get your feet shuffling and so cool it could make James Dean blush.
If you've got that house craving, then you need this track, no question. Grab it now here and start grooving. DUNES is clearly one to keep and eye on, watch that space...

Stikkman - Rhodes

The future garage scene is arguably becoming repetitive, im constantly asked what's so inventive about R&B vocal samples, vague ambient synths and 2step rhythms?
Il let Cambridge's Stikkman answer the question.....yes this tune contains all of the above, but also so much more. It's the careful arrangement of these elements, combined with old school trumpets and dubby reverbs that creates something special. It's not brand new, and it doesn't have to be....what's important are the grooves and the vibes that the track so effortlessly conveys....and all from a kid barely out of his teens. Check the preview and d/l link below.

Stikkman - Rhodes