What a month it has been for music! While January saw some stunning releases from Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Cashmere Cat, Above & Beyond and more, February turned out to be yet another power packed month for music fans around the world. With the likes of Dillon Francis, Diplo and Corey James who put on a spectacular show, we were also treated to some real gems from multiple Indian artists including _RHL, Zokhuma, Dolorblind amongst others.
So without further ado, head down below and take a look at the Top 10 Releases of February 2018.
10. Aeon Waves – Mute Angel
Ahmedabad-based producer/DJ Kanishk Budhori has been steadily dishing out some ethereal gems in recent months under his Aeon Waves project. Known for his surreal and exploratory take on ambient and drum & bass, the talented act returned to action this past month with his Mute Angel EP. Released via Mindtrick Records, Kanishk has managed to blow our minds away with its titular cut. A transcendental experience that is ought to take you on a thrilling journey, Aeon Waves’ latest work is nothing short of a musical masterpiece.
9. Buki x Kalmi – Alamut
When two talented names link up, you are ought to be treated to some magic! And that’s exactly the case with Indian producers Buki and Kalmi‘s massive collaboration ‘Alamut‘ which took over listeners by storm this past month. A rollercoaster of a tune which is poised to take you on a relentless ride, the trap-heavy work is led by a signature orchestral intro that continues to serve as a hallmark of Kalmi’s stellar efforts. As the proceedings pick up pace quickly, the aggressive single backed by its thrilling sound design erupts with thundering synths and rattling basslines.
8. Zokhuma – Fields
Mumbai-based producer Zokhuma has steadily paved his way towards the top in recent years to be reckoned as one of the most revered names within India’s alternative music scene. For his first release of 2018, he dropped a brilliant two-track EP this past February. And with his impressive creation, ‘Fields‘, he finds a well-deserved spot in our Top 10. A bold and exciting offering from Arman, that is poised to light up dance floors and headphones alike, the highly enticing piece couples non-traditional sounds with his signature unorthodox approach which certainly hits the mark.
7. Dillon Francis feat. Fuego – We The Funk
Dillon Francis is gearing up for a power packed 2018 as he readies his forthcoming Spanish language album due out later this year! Fresh off dropping the first single ‘Ven‘ off the highly awaited LP, the LA-based producer recently dished out his brand new track, ‘We The Funk‘. Teaming up with Miami-based merengue singer-songwriter Fuego, the moombahton-inspired effort sees the two names conjure up a breezy, vibrant jam that is poised to become a staple tune in summer playlists.
6. Post Malone – I Fall Apart (Montell2099 Remix)
One of today’s hottest beatsmiths in the game, New Zealand-based producer Montell2099 served up his stunning take on Post Malone‘s ‘I Fall Apart‘ this past month. A smooth and ethereal remix which sees the talented act take the proceedings to a whole new level, Malone’s emotive creation gets a fitting treatment that is ought to take you on a feels trip.
5. Corey James & Years – Eros
On the back of a rather phenomenal 2017, Corey James kick started his 2018 on a strong note with the release of ‘Arlanda‘ in collaboration with the highly talented David Pietras on Size Records. And for his latest stint, the Liverpool based DJ/producer returned to action with yet another stunning production, this time in collaboration with Norwegian producer Years. Titled ‘Eros‘, the track features a rising intro, which smoothly transactions into an uplifting, euphoric melody which features hypnotic piano chords, transitioning into a snare-driven build that culminates into a pulsating synth-driven drop which exudes copious amounts of energy, certain to get the dance floor moving.
4. Diplo feat. DRAM – Look Back
With the arrival of Diplo‘s latest solo EP ‘California‘, February saw the release of it standout cut, ‘Look Back‘ with DRAM. A soulful creation which boasts of guest vocals from the American hip-hop artist, the impressive ballad is highlighted by its outstanding production work, on top of which the ‘Broccoli‘ hitmaker works his magic with his crooning vocals and striking lyrics.
3. Aimsir. – hamartia.
Aimsir. can do no wrong. Finding himself in our Top 10 list for the third consecutive time, the Pune-based producer delivered one of his most stunning body of work till date this past February with his latest EP, ‘time is all we have.’. And with its closing track ‘hamartia.‘, which also doubles up as the strongest track from the record, Yatharth makes sure to pack the maximum amount of sonic space while the exceptional piece moves towards different emotional directions throughout its proceedings.
2. Lifafa – Maybe I Am Old Fashioned (Eternal Loop) [_RHL FLIP ]
Bagging the #2 spot is Bengaluru-based producer and Consolidate bossman _RHL who returned to action this past month with his remix of Lifafa‘s ‘Old Fashioned (Eternal Loop)‘. Taking on the Delhi-based act’s fuzzy, ambient-influenced piece, Rahul Giri’s latest work sees him inject somber emotions into his lush-sounding effort without losing track of the original. A glowing rework which boasts of somewhat of a _RHL-like personality, the hypnotic proceedings are highlighted by an interesting groove that never ends too quick nor draws out too long.
1. Dolorblind feat. 1200 – Theme Music
Jwala kicked off their 2018 campaign with the release of their latest compilation ‘Dawn‘. And taking the crown as the Top Track for February 2018 is its standout cut, ‘Theme Music‘ by Dolorblind and 1200. Teaming up with the Louisville-based rapper for his latest record, the New Delhi-based producer’s abstract rap piece sounds like a fantastic puzzle which is put into place by the two acts’ heady approach. Brought to life by 1200’s knotty, syllable-twisting wordplay and Dolorblind’s minimal, yet striking instrumental, ‘Theme Music‘ is a creation which needs to be appreciated.