Wow, this one is a headscratcher. In my mind, when I saw Ester Dean on this record, my frame of reference was that she sang the urban booty record “Drop It Low,” and “Super Bass” with Nicki Minaj. Come to find out she cowrote big hits for Rihanna (“S&M” / “Rude Boy”) and Katy Perry (“Firework,” “Peacock”) and starred in ‘Pitch Perfect’ as the lesbian with swag. On first listen, “We’ve Only Just Begun” would be a strong instrumental track with catchy electro riffs and subtle energy builds that capture you in the beat. Ester’s aggressively seductive lyrics (which lead her partner to take her home and instruct them on how to properly perform cunnilingus) are surprisingly subtle unless you pay really close attention (reminding me of the perverted “Too Close,” originally done by Next). Her vocal delivery morphs with the intensity of the track – increasing and decreasing in power and control. The original mix is incredibly strong on its own and the remixes by Gorgon City, Westfunk & Steve Smart, and R3hab & Zroq expand its reach with flavors of two step-garage/bass, house, and harder electro. Major props to Ministry of Sound for creating the first video in recent memory where all the female dancers are completely covered. With this song Ester has “only just begun” her journey into the EDM club world. Watch out for her forthcoming cover of Bonnie Raitt’s classic “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” easily the best version of the song since Nashville Star’s Angela Hacker redefined it for the 21st century.

Image Courtesy of Ministry of Sound.

Utterly speechless was my first reaction when I heard “Play it Back.” Simply because it doesn’t sound at all like what you would expect from a Gabriel & Dresden track. Yes, it’s cool, credible, and underground but it’s also… how do I say this correctly without mixing labels, Hi-NRG for 2012. Yes, “Play It Back” is a girl-twirl that you might expect from Almighty or Alias, but done with a progressive twist. The kick drum loop in the intro is the first clue that this is going to be something different- but when the instrumental loops start coming in with the swoops, it’s clear that we are headed into major key “hands in the air” territory. Disparate parts like computer bleeps and electro glitches contrast with swooshes and vocoded male background vocals for what is probably the only current record that could get played at the most credible underground clubs in Ibiza as well as G-A-Y and XXL in London. The last time one of the credible producers pulled this off was when Oakenfold and Steve Osbourne were making all those wonderful Grace records in the ’90s. Since Trance 2.0 was the big buzz term at ADE this year, maybe we could look to G&D bring “back” a new flavor of NRG 2.0 by blending classic energy with modern electro. I am definitely anxious to hear what they come up with next.

Image Courtesy of Organized Nature.

“Let’s take this way too far” are lyrics that will mean different things to different people. Following up her track with Armin van Buuren, “Twilight,” Kirsty goes straight for the jugular with the exuberantly energetic and catchy “Hands High.” Since “Hands up” is the generic refrain in most club records, “hands high” is somewhat of a refreshing change. Rather than referring to an arrest, though, Kirsty does sing about submission in the double entendre-filled lyrics, the “gun at your back” is clearly an allusion to the driving beat of this monster track, one of the very few which maintains energy even during dropouts. Afrojack’s mix is the focus- getting the most club play, but relating to taking it too far, the beats and noises could easily be from a remix he did two to three years ago. But if you’ve got a formula that works, why mess with it? The lack of change is almost refreshing as DJ/producers often become famous for one thing and quickly morph into something else, leaving fans disappointed when they catch them live. DJs (and club kids) should definitely check out the additional remixes by Dale Corderoy and Loverush UK, who keep the electro vibe yet add their own distinct flavor (middle eastern influences/progressive trance and Avicii-esque stadium house). A solid record with great mixes and a cute video, “Hands High” will clearly be getting massive club play throughout the fall.

Image Courtesy of Spinnin.