Skrillex and Diplo present "JACK U"

Skrillex and Diplo. Clear all preconceived notions you may have about the pair of prolific DJ's, whether you like them or not-- separately they have managed to undercut the world of modern EDM for better or worse to varying degrees.  Both have relentlessly spawned mass-cult followings and heightened their direction with each release- so the collaboration of the two could prove to be a team-up of box office super hero proportions- WHICH IT IS.

Admittedly, any reviewer is looking for an excuse to rip the titans down- but Jack ü makes it difficult to find any cracks in the surface.  With a barrage of guest spots including Keiza, 2 Chainz, Justin Bieber and Missy Elliot, the album hits all the right notes to be a perfect summer dance album; effortlessly incorporating silky r&b-laced chorus among patented Diplo/Skrillex beat drops.  This album is the epitome of two individual artists feeding off each others' frenetic energy to ensure the party never stops.

Full disclosure, this particular reviewer absolutely hated both Diplo and Skrillex prior to hearing this album- but now? I'd consider myself a convert.

Get your copy of Jack ü by Skrillex and Diplo RIGHT HERE!

Jamie XX- "In Colour"

Jamie XX has been an integral contributor to the select movement of indie artists unfurling genres to reignite the flames of their tired sounds.  As a founding member of bedroom-eyed slow jammers, The xx, Mister XX injected soulful gloom and R&B-inspired grooves into minimalist indie pop to create their cool, collected pastiche.  His library of remixes and collaborations with Gil-Scott Heron have proven his confidence behind the board as a producer as well-- layering songs with ethereal poise, always on the brink of breaking the subdued for the anthemic.

His debut full-length, "In Colour", boasts Jamie at the height of his wünderkid proficiency. Lacking the deliberate restraint he demonstrates with The xx, "Colour" is immediately striking with its dancefloor push; confidently reeling the listener in from the first few notes.  Above all else, the album should be a course-study for up-and-coming young producers as an exercise in mood & punctuation; XX's knack for elevating the listener with auditory purpose is unsurpassed.  Blissfulness and melancholy ride in tandem throughout the album, which is arguably Jamie XX's strength as both an artist and producer; which should prove to make for a hypnotic career to come.

CLICK HERE to get YOUR copy of JAMIE XX's "IN COLOUR"

Holly Herndon- "Platform"

In the world of experimental music it takes an undeniable polar shift to transpire new blood, let alone new ideas and execution.  The realm of uncovered sounds has become the uncompromising battlegrounds for synth patches, vocal samplings and unlimited noise chucked through filters and processors until they become unrecognizable from its source.  Enter Holly Herndon, the potential phoenix from the ashes of the modern avant garde movement.

With a guarded, logic-based approach to songcrafting, Herndon's penchant leans toward the melancholic side of the spectrum; swelling orchestrated electronics are punctuated with whisper-soft elegant vocals throughout, mindful of the prospects of truncated noise.  Forgoing the standard-issue cliches of your run-of-the-mill Pitchfork darlings for more organic and ethereal textures, Holly Herndon's body of work could easily stand to be a welcome beacon of change for the audio visual community, and what a welcome change it would be.

Grab your copy of HOLLY HERNDON'S "PLATFORM" here!