July: The 20 best electronic tracks this month
Words: Andrew Moore
Artwork: Paul Smith
We back! The second instalment of the month’s best electronic music is here. Don’t let the disappearing sunshine get you down, we’ve rounded up the very best rhythms from around the globe to brighten up your week.
From the breaksy spoken word of Wayward, to the summer sounds of DJ Q and the return of a footwork legend – dive in and enjoy.
[Peach Discs]
It’s as much of a match made in heaven as the alias and label name would suggest; arriving on Shanti Celeste and Gramrcy’s Peach Discs label is the second instalment of the Peach Pals compilation, showcasing friends and talented strangers alike. This one from (do we need to say Peach again?) is the pick of the bunch – progressive, bouncy and fun electronics brimming in colour.
London duo Wayward always delight and surprise. Whether it’s sitting in the studio with Skrillex or producing the latest contemporary UKG fire, they always bring the heat. ‘Sapphire Eyes’ was made with Burial’s Untrue record in mind, and it’s a proper tear-jerker. Big end of the night, spoken word vibes on this one.
[Eternal Ocean]
Eternal Ocean bossman has quietly been putting out some of modern dance music’s most exciting records on his ones, so you know it’s a big deal when he brings an external artist in. He couldn’t have hit the target more accurately with Tristan Arp, ‘Curved Space’ is the polyrhythmic delight that you can’t wait to lose yourself in.
[Dansu Discs]
Jeeeeeez! It’s a modern-classic link up on Dansu Discs as Lavonz, Perception, Ollie Rant and vocalist Ell Murphy craft the perfect warm-up UKG stepper on ‘Nothing’. Nothing but soul.
An in-your-face cut of Jersey Club from the queen of the genre. Play this one loud.
[Phantasy]
Belfast-bred, Berlin-based Cromby has been making waves for a minute, and this Nicola Cruz remix on Phantasy is just what the doctor ordered. Wonky, tribal electronics that feels like a blissed-out acid trip.
[White Peach Records]
We don’t think White Peach Records have ever released a bad record. Consistently trying to do new and exciting things with the grime and dubstep format, this one from Yoofee is a lairy and psychedelic journey through 140 territory.
[Local Action]
UK Garage’s MVP comes through with the goods once again, this time linking up with Shola Ama and exciting newcomer Hans Glader for the sound that is about to dominate your summer.
NYC’s Kush Jones is known more notably for his footwork, techno and jungle, but on ‘If You’re Ashy Please Retreat’ he swaps the dizzying 160 riddims for an ambient dreamscape that is truly beautiful.
[Gudu]
Inspired by 90’s dance anthems and the pre-existing underground South Korean scene, Peggy’s second single of the summer sees her again take to the mic in addition to the production desk – a song of motivation and innocence that is going to be played at nearly every outdoor party you attend this year.
[Coil Records]
Murlo’s creativity knows no bounds. Whether it’s designing graphic novels, sharing drawing tips on Twitch, or crafting future-facing electronica, it’s always distinctively him; a brightly coloured shell in a sea of the same. Scratch beneath the surface of his latest outing on Coil Records label, you won’t regret it.
[Bambe]
The second instalment to arrive on Parisian producer Bambounou’s label sees the artist link up with Hessle Audio affiliate Bruce for a typically percussive deconstruction of club music. ‘Final Conference’ simply needs to be heard on a big soundsystem, it’s a melter.
[Gather]
UKG made for dark and sweaty basements on Gather. This one’s a collaborative release between Sey and Bristol producer Longeez and it’s a screamer. Dutty rhythms to get your screwface on to.
[Planet Mu]
A member of the footwork elite, the legendary DJ Manny steps up for the ever-consistent Planet Mu with one of the albums of the year. We could have picked any of them, but ‘If You Want It’ has been the track we’ve had on repeat the most – emotionally captivating juke at its very, very best.
Shapeshifting, percussive edits from Karizma here, with just enough UK Funky/dancehall flavour to keep you moving.
[NC4K]
Stones Taro has emerged as one of garage and jungles most exciting newcomers in recent years, and his NC4K label – based in Kyoto, Japan – is flying the flag for forward-thinking, Japanese electronic music. His own track, ‘Only’ is our favourite on there: a famous Brandy sample with a hefty dose of breaks for good measure.
[Dred Collective]
Experimental, breaksy grime from one of the most underrated on the circuit. Big up Sempra each and every time.
[Duality Trax]
Okay, so this one isn’t officially out until August, but the lead single (which is out now) from Holly Lester’s latest Duality Trax compilation is too good not to include. This one from Baby Rollén has us dreaming of those peak time club moments, and is an exciting sign of things to come from the young label.
[Source Material]
The usual dark electro aesthetic of Luz1e blends with hazy atmospherics on a track that can be both danced and dreamed to. A spacey trip through the sounds of New York, Detroit and Chicago.
[Gonzo Collective]
Following an appearance on Gaptoof’s The Space Tape, Irish producer RHOSHI readies his first solo single of the year, and it’s a monster. Trap, hyper-pop, deconstructed grime, and ambient meet in a devastating blend that has to be heard to be believed.
