Across the breadth of the compilation, EXHALE Various Artists Vol.4 is a shining snapshot into the ever-evolving taste palette of Amelie Lens – showcasing her knack for curating an entity in dance music that supersedes simply her DJ Sets.
Kickstarting the compilation is resident AIROD with the raucous track “Nemesis”: straight drum arrangements and frantic claps are accompanied by spiking synths that haunt this track, with a dark and booming breakdown injecting even more ferocity midway. Following is Joey Risdon with “LSD Reaction”, a fast-paced, gritty techno stomper with industrial elements, while Vizionntakes us on a futuristic journey with robotic vocals and high-energy keys in “Future Energy”. Tigerhead hits us with the celestial and booming “Looking Glass”, keeping the pace up with a rolling cut, while The Blackmailer follows with “The Queen Has Arrived” -giving a nod to rap royalty with this twisted techno hit featuring a sinister, electrifying riff.
EXHALE resident Farrago teams up with Part Time Killer for “The Keymaster”, a strong, driving track with electric atmospherics and a slick, hypnotizing sample. Rudosa & Blicz’s synergy as producers is felt with beautiful composition “Split Your Love”, a change of pace with a sharp, euphoric melody. ACOR comes next with “Eat Sleep Rave Repeat”, the perfect peak-time warehouse energy booster, with the title commanding listeners throughout. Flour takes charge with “Invasion”, easing into proceedings with an ethereal bleating choir, before racing synths take over and turn this into a vigorous weapon. Caravel drives on with “Echoes Of You”, keeping up the momentum with a frantic kick & hi-hat combo laced with yearning cries throughout.
On the flip is DLV with “Der Pakt”, a heaving cut armed with an insidious synth-line made for epic peak-time moments on the dance floor as featured in his Boiler Room Set, receiving hype already on the dancefloor. Nineted scales back with “Euphoric Expression”, initially presenting arcade-like melodies before throwing in twinkling keys and a ferocious kick drum. Next, Carla Schmitt dives back in with her contribution “Red Ambition”, firing fiendish and growling elements over the booming bass and rhythmic kick to create a mischievous energy. Chemtrailz is up next with “The Future Is Matriarchy”, a trancey expedition with enticing vocals and high-pitched strikes. Rounding off the compilation is WarinD with “Techno Memories”, a heaving yet grooving track with a deep, dark techno synth that wavers through.
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