Another week, another amazing show. If you’re in Ontario’s capital today, I urge you to head over to Yonge and Dundas Square, where the Mad Decent Block Party is raging even as we speak. Local heroes Zeds Dead will be wrapping things up later tonight, and I predict they’ll be shaking the concrete in such a manner as to have the walls of the nearby Eaton Center clinging on for dear life. It’s an extravaganza, amigos – and it’s FREE!!! Say no more.
Speaking of Zeds Dead, we start this week’s Sweets with the brand new EP the duo dropped earlier this week — a collaboration with Omar LinX and, as you’d expect, a classic. Elsewhere, Montreal duo Botnek have a heavy-duty remix on their hands and Alvin Risk takes Fun.‘s “We are Young,” plus a few other goodies. Onward!
When you come from a nation renowned for its EDM producers, you have to see things differently to stand out. And right now I don’t think there’s anyone who matches the vision of Style of Eye.
Linus Eklow, a product of the genre-dominating nation of Sweden, has turned thegame on its head with inventive originals and irresistible remixes. Understanding the elements of a big room track seems to come naturally to the Swedes — but Linus digs even deeper into that store of natural talent they possess. Rather than sticking with the routine, he blends in heavy electro instead of the typical pulsating kick-bass line. Take his remix of Tommy Trash‘s “Ohrwurm.” He takes what’s already a big tune on its own, and creates an eerie carnival feel. Suddenly it feels like game time. Put on the cleats on and tape up your fingers — it’s on.
For an example of his originals, look no further than “We Are Boys.” A minute in, and you know that you’re in for something special. The sample used is something you wouldn’t expect to sound so methodical over his orchestral keys — yet it’s done to perfection. The genius of a track like this is that it’s a big room anthem, yet would feel every bit as much at home — maybe even more — in the confines of a tiny, brick-walled basement club. When you hear the track you’re immediately intrigued — and that intrigue turns quickly into allure, then addiction. At which point you’re rewinding the track over and over and over and …
As you’d expect from someone who cites influences as diverse as Stevie Wonder, nineteenth century classical composer Edvard Grieg, and Yello, Style of Eye isn’t keen to be pigeonholed. His moniker comes from a desire to put everything out under one name, regardless of what it sounds like… Says Linus: “Since I take in so much different music and put it in a blender I wanted to be able to put everything I see and that inspires me into one project. This album is a huge step from my first release but you can still hear that it’s me.”
An artist who’s not afraid to mix and match with his tastes and sounds is exactly the kind of artist who’s destined to lead us in 2012. But bear in mind that exceptional talent is still a prerequisite. Anyone can throw some cello onto a track with an electric guitar, add some bass on and wrap it all up with an opera singer. What Style of Eye possesses is the ability to blend all those elements and get the Avicii fan to dance alongside the Nico Jaar fan.
And if it’s not him … well, I’m pretty sure it will be someone from Sweden. If EDM is soccer and hockey, that country is Brazil and Canada, producing new Peles and Gretzkys every day, or so it seems. So for that, in Swedish: Tack!
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