Boys Noize releases ‘Go Hard’ EP
Alex Ridha returns with his latest EP on his own Boysnoize Records, Go Hard. Representing elements of old school Boys Noize, Ridha ditches the commercial leanings of his Out of the Black EP and turns his attention to his electro and acid house roots. There are no awkward Snoop Dogg cameos here, just straightforward and blistering electro chops curated by one of the genre's most talented proponents. Tongue-in-cheek samples like "Excuse Me's" vocals are matched by far more serious big beat drum patterns and frantic stabs. On "Inhale/Exhale," Boys Noize flexes his techno muscles creating a track that gives the middle finger to melodies and howls with gritty analog synthwork, while "Starwin" is an acid house meets disco bouncer -- a feel good summer track that serves as the EP's slightly-subdued interlude. Showing a bit of versatility the title track "Go Hard" infuses trap beat signatures with acid soaked squeaks, it's the first time we can call something "wonky rap" and will likely to appeal to the new wave of hip hop house heads. The EP closes out on a high note with "Push Em Up" an unrelenting electro production suitable for the soundtrack of any warehouse rave. Dark, foreboding and versatile, Alex Ridha has once again demonstrated a talent for change and has created a unique snapshot of his sonic psyche on his latest EP.
Mixhell releases ‘Spaces’ EP via Boysnoize Records
Sepultura drummer Iggor Cavalera has recently reinvented himself as the rock-tronica outfit dubbed Mixhell, aiming to imbue electronic music with the fervor of the heavy metal Sepultura was known for. Using his talent for polyrhythms and inventive percussion, Iggor and his wife Laima have expanded the Mixhell sound with the help of an MPC, live drums, CDJs and a rock and roll mentality. The 11-track EP is an interesting experiment that fuses live rock elements with electronic sampling. Sonically it is far more rock and roll than actual electronica, but the resulting amalgamation of the two sounds is anything but ordinary. The 106th release on BNR sits well on the forward thinking imprint, fearlessly establishing a new type of electronic crossover while facing the ever-present challenge of defining electronic music as more than just a laptop and headphones experience.