You probably know Josh Gabriel for his work as part of the production duo Gabriel & Dresden, responsible for the classic “As the Rush Comes” by Motorcycle, as well as groundbreaking remixes (Paul Oakenfold, Depeche Mode, Tiesto, Madonna, Way Out West) and massive DJ sets (winning the IDMA for Best DJ two years in a row and DJ Mag Top 20.) After 7 years together, the duo took a break and Josh Gabriel explored his progressive and techno roots and started the label Different Pieces. Home to his original productions and collaborations (Dave Seaman, Ego Stereo), the label also showcases works by his artist project Winter Kills and influential producers (Francis Preve, James Talk.) ‘Different Pieces Collected’ brings together essential tracks from the label along with a few lost gems worth discovering. Released exclusively through Armada on Beatport, the tracks are worth a listen for lovers of progressive, trance and techno.
Category: Reviews
REVIEW: Ellie Goulding – ‘Halcyon’
By: Ben Norman
Who is Ellie Goulding, really? I mean, Wikipedia tells us she’s a 25 year-old soprano from London. That really doesn’t say much, though, it’s just facts. It doesn’t convey a personage, not the way the act of expression that is music can. We also know that Ellie Goulding has been riding the same song, rather successfully, for almost three years now, and for some reason “Lights” never really gets old. That’s one song, however, and can you really establish the identity of a singer from one song? While “Lights” has been introducing Ellie to fans across the globe and sneaking into the pop mainstream like a slow-moving ninja, it wasn’t really a fantastic representation of her 2010 album of the same name, nor is it a calling card to what her new album, Halcyon, contains. “Lights” is what allowed her to create Halcyon though, and it is an influence on what some of the tracks aim to achieve. But at the end of the day, who is Ellie Goulding, really?
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REVIEW: Dragonette Concert
By: Ben Norman
A concert is only as good as the personalities behind the performances. ?The singer, the band, their presence on stage, and their ability to work a crowd can change a venue from yawns and open seats to standing room only, and when the band is Dragonette, the cozy DC venue The Black Cat experienced just that. ?The Black Cat is one of DC’s forefront concert venues for its easy location and intimate atmosphere. As opposed the larger venues like the 9:30 Club or even the Verizon Center, The Black Cat is the type of venue that can literally put you five feet away from the band. ?And when it’s Dragonette, the closer the better, as lead singer Martina Sorbara is a pint-sized powerhouse.