Writing about Essential Jams again is making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Let me preface this by saying that I did not attend The Zoo this year, but that I know multitudes of people who did, and you can bet that I’ve diligently inspected every available set, searching for all the diamonds in the rough. Hopefully these will all be tracks that moved any of you animals at the zoo considerably. More importantly, you may not have known the names of some of these tunes, as we’re going to delve into some lesser known tracks. Buckle yourself into that desk chair… this is going to be a wild ride.
Control Movement (Original Mix) – Gesaffelstein
After spending a night in the booth with Gregori Klosman, I can tell you that these frenchmen have quite the vibe going. Roots in tech house and techno combined with an unrivaled grasp on today’s progressive electro scene has given them an exciting musical avenue. ‘Control Movement’ is a rhythmic jam containing a healthy dosage of deep bass, and enough funk to keep you movin’ and groovin’ for the duration. Brings me back to the early 2000s, and I love it.
I’m So Hot (Original Mix) – J-Trick & Reece Low
Played by PeaceTreaty at the end of their set, this track is the epitome of PeaceTreaty to their core. Don’t know what I mean? It’s simple: Rockin’ bassline, hip-hop-ish vocal sample, and some outrageous dirty dutch synths. The energy on this one is all the way turnt up. Why have it any other way?
Ran Tam Tam (Pain Mix) – Alex Guesta & Stefano Pain
Maybe many of you will find this track unexciting, but you would have probably felt differently had you witnessed Axwell opening his stupendous set with it on saturday night. It has that Axtone feel, with kicks that build anticipation and leave your mouth watering for the next set of juicy beats to follow. A perfect opener. Axwell did it again…
Can’t Stop Me (Tom Staar & Kryder Remix) – Afrojack & Shermanology
Let me be honest – I hated the original version of ‘Can’t Stop Me’. But I am a fan of anything Kryder, and he certainly did not disappoint alongside the ‘African Drop’ remix maestro Tom Staar. The original version was reminiscent of a car Xzibit would scoff at, while this remix is the whip that any Pimp My Ride crew member would be proud of.
Zeus (Original Mix) – John Dahlback
Played by both Pierce Fulton and Nicky Romero, this track is destined for the realm of greatness. I mean, by the beard of Zeus, this is powerful! Gritty, dirty electro beats are the dominant force in the latest masterpiece from the veteran Swede. EHusky has always been a fan of Mr. Dahlback… doesn’t look like that’s gonna change anytime soon.
Reload (Original Mix) – Sebastian Ingrosso & Tommy Trash
Duh. Everyone and their mothers played this track at EZoo this time around, and with good reason. I advocate against over-saturation most of the time, but ‘Reload’ is a tried and true anthem. It’s still not out, and people have been going bonkers for it ever since Tommy drunkenly revealed it at Ruby Skye many months ago. Great track, certified crowd-pleaser.
- SZ (@TheElectroHusky)
