Dance / Electronic 2/2

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 23, 20213 min read

Few modern instrumentals capture me like "Bloodflow" does

Grandbrothers blur the boundary between classical and electronic worlds with this powerful, piano-driven production.

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 17, 20214 min read

"Tear It Down" and the art of crafting a true sonic narrative in dance music

The Aston Shuffle expertly execute a slow, but sure build, capping it off with the most satisfying release in the final break.

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 8, 20214 min read

Getting up from your "Falls" is what counts

With a more restrained, yet emotive break, ODESZA reminded me that nothing is to be gained from wallowing in one's pessimism.

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 31, 20215 min read

"Pursuit" captures how I want Halloween to sound

The industrial instrumental's dark, chilling nature makes it a great fit for the holiday — but it also isn't exclusively an October track.

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 29, 20214 min read

Bob Sinclar and Steve Edwards say, "World, Hold On"... but how do we do that?

And to what exactly are we supposed to hold on? Well, the answer is... a lot of things.

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 17, 20214 min read

"Hyperballad" stands the test of time... and honestly, we've yet to reach its time

A quarter-century after its release, Björk's ethereal dream sequence song still sounds like it's ahead of our current musical era.

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 10, 20214 min read

Is it house? Is it electronica? Is it pop? All I know is that it's "Magnets," and it's awesome.

Disclosure's masterpiece with Lorde has a downright outrageous beat and great lyric / instrumental coordination to drive home its narrative.

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 29, 20214 min read

"My Head and My Heart" places a Eurodance classic into a new, house-based context

Ava Max demonstrates how to build up from a sample, creating new material in a different style while also not losing sight of the original.

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 13, 20214 min read

"Unknown Song" captures my present anxieties and questions, then tries to answer them

As the track oscillates between major and minor sections, I try to allay my fears. Do I succeed?

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 7, 20214 min read

"Little L" sounds like a happy, groovy jam until you parse the lyrics

On a down day where little seemed to go right for me, a healthy dose of house-like funk temporarily lifted my spirits.

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 3, 20214 min read

On house music and perspective through the lens of "Rain On Me"

A 2020 chart-topper is: 1) the kin of 90s French house; 2) a good starting point for a discussion on interpreting and connecting to music.

Unfortified Castle