When an artist releases a double single, it is often hard to decide which one to feature. “Touch” is an exploration in contrasts – emotionally vibrant and melodic vocals from 17-year old newcomer Emma Shaffer sung over dropouts that are really harsh and aggressive, if not angry, electro – bordering on the chainsaw sound you would expect from someone line Bl3nd or R3hab. Some of the vocal effects allude to a “touch” of retro rave sounds which are more fully explored on “Rave Crave” – a full on retro-rave monster. There’s a trend for the electro guys to sample classic ’90s techno in the productions, well “Rave Crave” is much more realized. The operatic stabs, rhythm structures, and yes, the almost comical transition noises- recall the fun and simplicity of old-rave/wave, yet the modern production makes it fit perfectly in 2013 DJ sets. You know how Disney movies are aimed at kids but contain jokes for their parents, “Rave Crave” is the EDM version of that – containing the sounds of today for club kids with references to old-school rave for their parents who drive them to the party.
Image Courtesy of EnMass.