KiNK 'Naïve' / Red Bull Studios Paris / 17 August
KiNK has followed the path of Pépé Bradock, Tom Trago and Svengalisghost for inclusion in the Red Bull Studios Paris free EP scheme. His goal was to compose, record and mix three tracks in just five days, as is the protocol in the series. KiNK, who is always game for creative challenges, decided to limit himself by using only what he got his hands on in the studio, which saw him nailing fresh material with an Acidlab Drumatix and a Leploop. Songstress, Rachel Row, features on this jazz-tinged, electro-pop gem that sees KiNK step off the dance floor into more chilled terrain.
Cassy 'Keep Trying' (Radio Slave Raw remix) /Aus Music / 5 August
Cassy has gathered a gaggle of some of her most respected fellow beat makers in a double vinyl remix package from her debut album, Donna. The album, which landed in June this year, was packed with intimate material as she connected with her vocal talent and lyrical flair. British marvel, Radio Slave, features twice on the seven-tracker with 'Keep Trying', and the Raw remix is a bona fide corker that's pepped for afterparty chaos.
& ME 'One On One feat. Fink'/ Keinemusik / 26 August
He's supplied some seriously big anthems to Keinemusik, with 'Woods' breaking out across the island last summer, and he's back with another beauty of an EP. The three-tracker is a collaborative effort with English singer/songwriter-enigma, Fink. It's already been heard building tension in DC-10 with the gritty beat-pattern nailing down the dynamite.
Death In Vegas 'Consequences Of Love' / Drone / 26 August
Taken from the sixth full length, critically-lauded studio album is another track that showcases Richard Fearless and Sasha Grey's artistic compatibility. Their union over a love of Throbbing Gristle and Chris Cosey has blessed us with utterly sublime electronica. Dealing with the isolation and self-reflection in the aftermath of losing a love, Grey communicates this heartrending sense of loss with breathy, disconnected vocals that will resonate with those presently dealing with a breakup and those who have long self-healed. Ultimately, its danceable for both a physical and mental connection.
Thundercat 'Bus In These Street' / Brainfeeder / 24 August
Stephen Burner (a.k.a Thundercat) has landed back on our radar armed with Brainfeeder label album and frequent collaborator, Flying Lotus. Both artists shift records charged with a soulful, distinctive style and neither are concerned with stylistic boundaries. His point of concern here is with the injustices of this world, but his intentions are to offer a source of temporary escapism that's accomplished via the playful sugary sweet tones of his falsetto voice and the twinkling synths glittering throughout.
Grimes 'Medieval Warfare' / Atlantic Records / 5 August
Lifted from the Suicide Squad soundtrack, Grimes' contribution sits with tracks by the Black Keys, Action Bronson, Mark Ronson, Kehlani and Eminem. The Canadian art-pop singer penned it from the perspective of flamboyant super-villain, Harley Quinn, and getting into her chaotic mind has given fans of the DC Comics blockbuster a track about medieval warfare and killing men. Droning, metallic guitars and drums pushed to breakneck speeds rage on against Grimes' altered vocal pitch.
Michael Mayer and Agoria 'Blackbird Has Spoken' / !K7 7 / 5 August
Michael Mayer, a behemoth in electronic dance music, adds to his colossal catalogue this month with a spinner alongside French electronic chief, Agoria. It's taken a while for this pair to squeeze in studio time and we're hoping a second sit-down session won't be sidelined as victim of conflicting schedules for too long. It's delicately composed and primed to be a quintessential sunset cruiser.
Flume 'Never Be Like You' feat. Kai (Martin Solveig remix) / Future Classic / 12 August
Aussie electro producer, Flume, hit the jackpot with this track that was the first release from his debut full length. Yet again, 'Never Be Like You' has been spun through the remix mill with Frenchman, Martin Solveig, taking aim at implanting a slice of his own creative charm. He's clearly a big fan of the original vocal and removes Flume's chilled out trap effects and replaces it with jerking electro synths that lament it as a commercial smash that's likely to have broader appeal.
Survive 'Stranger Things' / Netflix / 12 August
Texan electronic quartet, Survive, had a relatively big following in their hometown, considering that dark instrumental electronic music isn't craved as eagerly as it is in other corners of North America. Enter supernatural series, Stranger Things, and they've rocketed into our consciousness. Set in 1983 and dealing with paranormal monster, among other running themes, it's like E.T. for the new generation, and those who grew up on the 1982 classic can revel in '80s nostalgia. The synth adventure that triggers the tension is a fusion of icy new-wave hooks, spectral ambient textures and menacing drones.
Audiofly 'In The (Last) Moment' (Robag's Ponk Pramen NB Remix) / Crosstown Rebels / 26 August
Anthony Middleton and Luca Saporito have been producing an ethereal style of deeply melodic techno for well over a decade. The powerhouse duo is pushing their sound on Damian Lazarus' imprint, Crosstown Rebels, this month with a three-tracker that includes a steadfast remix from Robag Whrume. The German veteran amplifies the original with a meld of elated synths and industrial details over heavy rolling percussion.
