Skrillex brings his A-game
EP review: Bangarang
Skrillix is in good form for his new EP, Bangarang.
EP review: Bangarang
When you first listen to Bangarang you might expect to hear the usual bass-wobbling, harsh keyboard tones and screaming sirens that Skrillex is famous for; what you actually get on this EP are toned-down rhythmic build-ups and breakdowns, along with multiple vocal samples.
Bangarang is the fourth EP from the multi award-winning DJ/producer Skrillex, aka Sonny Moore. It features artists including Sirah, Wolfgang Gartner, 12th Planet, Kill The Noise and an unexpected appearance of The Doors with Breakn’ A Sweat.
On first listen, Summit jumped out. The track mixes Ellie Goulding’s fantastic voice with Skrillex’s iconic style. Another track stood out in a similar way. Breakn’ A Sweat, which features The Doors, was written for the 2012 documentary film Re: Generation. It has to be one of the more different sounding tracks on the album, one you wouldn’t have expected Skrillex to be a part of. Breakn’ A Sweat includes ’60s style, mood-altering guitar harmonies hit with a good dose of dubstep.
Skrillex has recently entertained fans in Auckland along with Fatboy Slim and special guest Die Antwoord and Porter Robinson. With only one show at Vector Arena, Skrillex wowed audiences with tracks from Bangarang and some of his latest remixes of popular chart toppers.
Bangarang stands up to repeat listens. I also have it as part of my gym playlist on my iPod and it is a real enjoyment when you are in the mood for a little dubstep.
Even though some people criticise Skrillex for pushing dubstep into a more mainstream style of music, Bangarang is a prime example of the DJ/producer’s recognisable sound and style of music with a hint of difference. Sonny Moore has brought his A-game to the table with this EP.
It isn’t expensive. At JB HI-FI you can pick Bangarang up for under $10, which is good even if it is only a seven-track EP.
