Tisoki, a multi-talented producer from the United Kingdom, has become a household name in the electronic music world. Tisoki has made an indelible influence on various genres, including dubstep, drum and bass, and garage, by showcasing his broad abilities with each release. Tisoki comes to the forefront with his new song, “FK WITH ME,” featuring Caitlyn Scarlett’s vocal swagger, following the release of his upbeat DnB hit “Can’t Have U” with Fabian Mazur.
“FK WITH ME,” which begins with snake-charming guitar trills and echoed percussion sounds, picks up the pace with walloping bass pops and Caitlyn’s lethal poetry. Tisoki shows his producing talents with superb layering and diverse atmospheres for this scorching cut. “FK WITH ME,” which combines synchronized beats with nasty lyricism, is an irresistible heavy-hitter that will be played everywhere.
They’re back! Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you’ll be fully aware that all eyes have been on the future of Swedish House Mafia. The record-breaking Scandinavian trio, who called it quits in 2013, only to sensationally return at Ultra Music Festival in Miami in March 2018, have been keeping much of their new music under wraps, teasing studio sessions across their social media snippets. But now, for the first time ever, we have a debut studio album in the form of ‘Paradise Again’.
Here are our CULTR rankings, in ascending order… Swedish House Mafia’s ‘Paradise Again’ album:
17. FRANKENSTEIN (FEAT. ASAP ROCKY)
The real venom of this darker style of the SHM rebirth is never felt as potently as on ‘Frankenstein‘. Whilst previous ventures into collaborations with big names from the world of hip-hop/R&B (e.g. Pharrell, The Weeknd etc) have birthed ‘lighter’ sounds, the addition of Rocky sees Monsieurs Hedfors, Angello, and Ingrosso, flex their experimental muscles into a gruff-sounding trap music sound, with the American rapper – somewhat ironically, given the rumours regarding his recent split from Rihanna – angrily barking accusations of unfaithfulness down the mic.
16. MAFIA
An incredibly moody and grunge-filled production, this is as close to the line of darkness as SHM have ever ventured. A production which certainly wouldn’t feel out of place in the soundtrack of the recent blockbuster movie, ‘The Batman‘, the sound of ‘Mafia‘ is perhaps an aural representation of the edgy vibe the trio are wishing to display going forward. Though it might not necessarily fit alongside many of the album’s more upbeat tracks, this may be a production which was crafted for the purpose of creating atmospheric moments in live shows.
15. JACOB’S NOTE (FEAT. JACOB MUHLRAD)
A production which is somewhat tough to rank – or even categorise – alongside the pantheon of productions in this jam-packed album, many on account of the 64 second total run-time of the track, this classical piano snippet is typical of a concept album, and proves a somewhat soothing sorbet to the high intensity acidic mustard of tracks like ‘Frankenstein‘.
14. 19.30
Sounding more like a sample of a full track than a finished production in entirety, the trio flex their inner-Chemical Brothers on the digital synths and bleeps of this robotic track. Bizarrely, this feels more like an album filler than anything else.
13. FOR YOU
Choosing to end ‘Paradise Again‘ with this track (in chronological order), it is perhaps easy to see why the trio have selected this as the perfect album ender. Haunted by a soothing wistfulness which wouldn’t look out of place on Anjunadeep, the records marks the musical evolution of a group who longer have to producer in-your-face euphoria to be heard. Instead, opting to mark their maturity by airing a much more modern sound.
12. ANOTHER MINUTE
There’s certainly a debate to be had that the Swedes are at their arguable strongest when it comes to crafting well rounded emotional ballads, rather than the high-tempo EDM they became famous for at the turn of the past decade. Here we witness the authentic humanity which has endeared the group into the hearts of so many via this melancholic production, on one of the album’s most under-rated tracks.
11. PARADISE AGAIN
Once again, when looking into this album deeper, it would appear that the Mafia have not just included tracks for the consumption of public listening, but also atmospheric mood-builders which can be used as intros or segways between sectors during their live shows. The melodic feels of ‘Paradise Again’ is apt to the track’s title, as listeners are transported to a beach far away, and thrust into a flow-like state of reflection, similar to the inclusion of ‘Destinations‘ on fellow Swede Alesso‘s ‘Forever‘ album.
10. HOME
Having previously declared their intention to use the release of their first ever studio album to highlight much of the artistic versatility displayed by some of their own favourite LPS throughout history from the likes of Michael Jackson, Daft Punk, and Pink Floyd, it’s no surprise to see the Swedes strip things back to a real Californian feel here. Having spent many of their recent years in Los Angeles, this slick track feels as effortlessly cool as the generic skateboarding hipster along Venice Beach.
9. CAN U FEEL IT
Packed with, as the Professor himself would describe, “a phat kick“, the Mafia tap into percussive elements to produce another atmospheric mood builder which will surely come in handy during live shows. An inspiring vocal adds depth to an otherwise repetitive production, but there’s no doubt that this one can go OFF on the dance-floor at the right moment. Lights down low, brooding club music, this is the modern Mafia.
8. IT GETS BETTER
Please forgive us for failing too provide any insight here on a phrase which has been echoed on numerous occasions before, but this track – despite displaying all the classic hallmarks of a perfectly produced SHM anthem – will forever (much like Axwell & Ingrosso‘s 2016 vs 2017 version(s) of ‘Dreamer’), be categorised under the ‘what would’ve been’ folder. When opening up their Stockholm reunion shows in 2019, the trio aired a punchy club anthem primed for main-stages worldwide. What eventually made it to release was a diluted version inexplicably clad with a cowbell breakdown.
7. HEAVEN TAKES YOU HOME (FEAT. CONNIE CONSTANCE) Packing all the same kind of vocal emotion we’ve come to know and love from the SHM sound over the years, ‘Heaven Takes You Home’ brings us that joyful yet wistful feel that many felt upon hearing ‘Underneath It All’ for the first time. With that particular record omitted from the album due to legal reasons, Connie Constance steps in to deliver a mesmeric vocal reminiscent of a young Aluna. With Klahr also added to production duties on this one, the track actually feels much more upbeat than ‘Underneath It All’ and proves a welcome substitute.
6. CALLING ON Clad with a unique looped melody, SHM tap into the ‘House’ sandwiched between ‘Swedish’ and ‘Mafia’ with this masterpiece which – similarly to much of Tchami‘s music – intertwines a spiritual soul-guided vocal to weave gospel-esque elements into a bass-house beat. The way the tracks kicks in with an extra energy burst of energy at the midway point is a welcome addition to one of the most crisply produced fresh tracks on ‘Paradise Again‘.
5. TIME (FEAT. MAPEI)
Undoubtedly one of the most dynamic productions on the album, ‘TIME’ feels like a track soaked in a heavy Axwell influence with the main body of the piece featuring those tight plucks we’ve similarly heard on ‘Nobody Else’ and the Axtone bossman’s remix of Halsey’s ‘Graveyard’. When you think of the 2022 Swedish House Mafia sound, this kind of fresh house-focused record should prove the epitome of how their second coming will be remembered.
4. DON’T GO MAD (FEAT. SEINABO SEY)
First teased at Ultra 2022 in one of the most genius modern marketing examples of using advertising space to tease the album, this is SHM at their high-energy finest. The wubs of those deep looping bass textures scream Ingrosso, with the house-focused breakdown perfectly primed for the dance-floor. Of all the ‘Paradise Again‘ tracks not yet released as singles, this is undoubtedly the finest, with many fans claiming that various samples of the instrumentals in this track bear strong resemblance to the later work of Tim Bergling, aka Avicii.
3. MOTH TO A FLAME (WITH THE WEEKND)
It may feel tough to muster the appropriate excitement for a track we’ve already had on repeat for many months by this point, but on production value alone, this is as close to perfect as any producer(s) could wish for. Topped by the unmistakable vocal of SHM’s newest bestie, this one will surely gain the most positive crowd reaction during the upcoming SHM x The Weeknd performance at Coachella. Had we not already been gifted ‘Moth To A Flame’ as a single, then the unveil of this one on album release morning would have undoubtedly started to trend virally.
2. REDLIGHT(FEAT. STING)
When SHM called it quits in 2013, ask most fans which track defined their legacy and you’d usually hear ‘Don’t You Worry Child’ or ‘Save The World’. At a push, ‘One’, and for those feeling more left-field, ‘Miami 2 Ibiza‘. However, as time passed, the general consensus among the SHM fanbase is that the frenetic energy of ‘Greyhound’ is the most-universally loved rave anthem. Similarly, as time flows, ‘Redlight‘ will be remembered as the piece-de-resistance of this album, such is the addictive nature of a track which improves with every listen!
1. LIFETIME (WITH TY DOLLA SIGN & 070 SHAKE)
Coated in a lush brooding vibe filled with retro-sound electronica synth-wave sounds which wouldn’t feel out of place in ‘Miami Vice’ or any other cairo-tinged 80s pop culture moment, ‘Lifetime’ embodies the art-deco style of modern music, oozing with character and real unique creativity. Stripped back to a much more ambient and downtempo vibe than the pre-2013 SHM sound, ‘Lifetime’ embodies everything we’ve come to expect from the modern Mafia... Integrity, class, sophistication, and an artist playfulness.
What are your thoughts on the album? Let us know across our CULTR social media channels!
Outside of individual articles, dig in below to find some of the best dance music across a range of genres out this week!
Martin Garrix & DubVision feat. Shaun Farrugia – Starlight (Keep Me Afloat) [STMPD
Continuing the rollout for his album, Martin Garrix and DubVision team up for the remarkable ‘Starlight (Keep Me Afloat)’. Featuring the incredible vocal from Shaun Farrugia, the track has been a highly requested ID since Garrix’s first play just a month ago. With the talents involved in this record, it’s no surprise that is it this amazing.
Justus – Tunnel [Musical Freedom]
After recently completing his signing to Spinnin’ Records, Justus’ latest comes on Musical Freedom. ‘Tunnel’ is a massive main room hitter and has already seen some notable DJ support, with much more to come.
ARTY – So Good To Me [Armada]
ARTY’s latest is a wonderful vocal dance record. With a strong vocal and mesmerizing piano – ARTY cannot stop making amazing, uplifting records.
Seven Lions and Blastoyz link, not for the first time, for a fresh new record trading their psytrance and future bass styles. From Ultra Music Festival to EDC Mexico, the track has marked showstopping moments at festivals around the country over the past few months. Most recently, Seven Lions and Blastoyz reunited on Beyond Wonderland’s mainstage to showcase the track one last time before its release.
FOVOS – Under Pressure [CLUBWRK DARK]
FOVOS are back with another track that takes inspiration from the underground techno scene. The heavy-hitting duo have seen supported by a number of top artists and on day one ‘Under Pressure’ lands in Spotify playlists such as New Music Friday Cratediggers and New Dance Beats.
Funkin Matt – Neo [Revealed]
Funkin Matt’s first endeavor on Revealed is ‘Neo’. The darker than usual house record is super solid. The underrated producer has seen millions of streams on his records and that is sure to continue with the banger than is ‘Neo’.
Bad Computer – Just Dance [Monstercat]
The first release in 2022 from Bad Computer has arrived. The Aussie talent continues on Monstercat with ‘Just Dance’. Like past records, Bad Computer’s crazy production quality shines through on a vibrant, vocal driven single that merges new school sounds and older electro house elements.
Following his recent return, Hardwell has released his third single. The techno esque big room record is another heater from the Dutchman and brings us closer to the release of his Rebels Never Die album.
The record, named ‘F*CKING SOCIETY’, samples Reeloop’s 2002 release of the same name. The aggressive record was a highlight through Hardwell’s Ultra set. Hardwell incorporates his new found hard techno sound, together with a vibrant saw sound that is sure to attract listeners.
Hardwell has definitely made a mark on the scene with the release of his new music, just weeks into his return. With the rleease
Swedish House Mafia today drop their highly anticipated album Paradise Again following their recent return to the scene.
If listeners go into the project with the mindset of it being 17 ‘Don’t You Worry Child’ styled songs, then they are sure to be disappointed. Swedish House Mafia have evolved, so has music and the world over the last decade. Following the handful of singles that pre-dated the album, fans had come to learn and adapt to Swedish House Mafia’s new sound and that is further explored throughout the hour long LP.
Steve Angello and Axwell told LA Times that they modeled Paradise Again on the kind of immersive albums they grew up with — LPs by Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder and Gang Starr. (Daft Punk’s 2001 “Discovery” was a specific dance-music touchstone.)
The album highlights a range of genres, from hip-hop to disco house. With many albums, there is room to experiment, to include a record that may not have worked as a single. Swedish House Mafia do flex that ability with a number of more avant-garde productions. One thing is consistent however, the production quality is immaculate, something the Swedes have always pioneered.
While there are many vocal and commercial leaning records throughout the album, the producers did include a number of hard hitting dance records that are sure to see inclusions throughout the festival circuit and are sure to be incorporated in the upcoming Swedish House Mafia tour.
The aim of the album was not to make 17 hits, but to create an impact within music and culture. Steve Angello explained the Swedes’ thinking to the LA Times; “We don’t have a hit record on the radio right now, but we’re headlining Coachella,” he said. “There’s so many artists that are doing more in the world than just having a Top 40 record. Look at Kanye and the ‘Donda’ album. Look at Tyler, the Creator. Look at Kendrick Lamar. A chart hit compared to cultural impact — they’re completely different things.”
Many may be disappointed to see the lack of the Mike Posner team up ‘Underneath It All’, a record that was a fresh, emotive and melodic piece that was first played during the Swedish trio of shows that occurred in 2019. The track did seem like a ‘Don’t You Worry Child’ 2.0, to the pleasure of many, but unfortunately it was excluded from the album due to legal issues. Another unfortunate omission is their ‘Comeback’ ID, in which they played during their initial return at Ultra 2018 – Ingrosso did let fans know this was just planned for their sets, not an official release.
It will certainly be interesting to see how the album will be translated to a live show and whether or not the more commercial sounding records are even played. The trio are set to play Sunday night together with recent collaborator The Weeknd at Coachella. Whilst this show will not be the same show they will take on the road – it will be interesting to see how and what they perform.
Overall, the first proper body of work from Swedish House Mafia is terrific. There are sure to be polarizing views but it is clear that this is what Swedish House Mafia wanted. They did not make this for the fans or critics, they made this for themselves. There is no denying that the album is filled with GOOD music, it’s a fact.
Making its debut at ABGT 450 – ‘Gratitude’ has now been officially released. The incredible production marks the first release for anamē, the new project from Marcus Schössow and Thomas Sagstad.
The many individuals come together to create an epic journey of rifts and melodies, that when paired with Marty Longstaff’s vocal, result in a wonderfully touching record. This was certainly a highlight in AGBT 450 and the track is sure to get widespread praise.
For their first release of the year, ‘Answers’ presents a 100% Aussie team composed by Darby and Ok2222. Both these two Melbourne producers aren’t new in the national and international circuit as ok2222 was among the finalist of Triple J’s Unearthed High 2020 and Darby was included in Your EDM’s Top 40 Artists To Watch for 2021.
With ‘Answers’, they combine pop songwriting with dark atmospheric house production on a vocal cut that follows in the footsteps of Lane 8 and Aussie heroes Rüfüs Du Sol. The unique record brings forward a bubbly, vibrant sound, together with a house like structure. Darby and Ok2222 further impress with another notable release.
camoufly is playing his part in transforming dance music as we know it. Having won the titles of “Best Artist” and “Best Emerging Artist” at the 2021 Audius Awards, it’s clear to everyone that this is someone you cannot miss. Holstering a distinct sound on his hip, camoufly’s ascent to the upper echelons of electronic music is truly a matter of time as he continues to get our feet grooving and hearts pumping with his enigmatic discography.
With his latest single, “alone (with u),” mysterious producer camoufly continues to revitalize the dance floor by mesmerizing listeners with cathartic synth work and synchronized beats. “alone (with u),” the first song from camoufly’s upcoming FAITH EP, is proof of the enigmatic beatmaker’s outstanding production prowess.
“‘Alone’ is both the first track I worked on for this EP, and the last to be finished. I’ve been wanting to make something influenced by baile funk for so long, and I think that doing it this way — by using my own signature sounds — was the only way to do it. Oh and did you hear that outro? Those are my two friends Alice and Pedro. I just thought the EP needed a “back to reality” moment, so what’s better than a cute conversation between two lovers at the end of a song?”– camoufly
Something exciting is brewing in the world of house. Some what of a mysterious female duo known as Max Low are quickly breaking into the electronic scene, debuting the first track “Good Time.” The house song is signed to Insomniac’s beloved imprint In/Rotation, which is sure to help propel the momentum of Max Low right out of the gate.
The release is upbeat and groovy from tip to tail. The well-structure tech house energy infuses the air with a club-friendly atmosphere. Soon after soulful vocal samples reminiscent of classic house days come into the fold and give a sense of melody that only enhances the experience already in motion. The track has total of 3 drops, with the cleverly designed arrangement creating a fluid flow through each and every one. The track is rich in spirit and overall compliments the aspects of a new project coming to the light.
Max Low are set to play EDC Las Vegas and Groove Cruise Cabo and teased this song earlier in the month at the renowned venue Academy L.A. They have more releases set to drop on CID’s label Night Service Only as well as more release to come on Insomniac.
On top of this, the two certainly have the attention of critical industry heads eying them alongside gatekeepers already giving them support upfront – all of this good signs of great things to come.
Max Low have way more up their sleeves in 2022, follow something great from the very start and see where these two go.
As head of his own Toolroom Records label, Mark Knight has built up an extensive portfolio across a glittered legacy within dance music. The British DJ and producer, who performed alongside David Guetta‘s Jack Back alias at Amsterdam Dance Event in 2019, is famed for iconic Ibiza classics like ‘Yebisah’, and has now delivered another huge slice of tech-house goodness via new single ‘You Are A God‘. The club-ready anthem is utilised by a strong rolling bassline and powerful vocal, with Knight teaming up alongside James Hurr and Cari Golden.
Sure to be thundering across dancefloors heading into Summer 2022 and beyond, Toolroom – and Mark Knight specifically – keep producing the goods. The label is also host to a range of global events, and following a recent takeover of London‘s Ministry of Sound club, have also hosted Summer residencies at Ibiza super club Eden. Proving a home for several of the industry’s biggest names in recent years, including Oliver Heldens, NERVO, andLeftwing: Kody, the Toolroom machine keeps ‘rolling via this new whopper, available below:
![[RANKED]: Swedish House Mafia’s ‘Paradise Again’ tracks](https://i0.wp.com/www.cultr.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shm.jpeg?fit=696%2C392&ssl=1 "[RANKED]: Swedish House Mafia’s ‘Paradise Again’ tracks")
