February: 6 hard dance releases you need to hear this month

Kayzo 'Born Again' (Darren Styles & Gammer Remix) (Doghouse Recordings)

As the EDM sound searches for new directions, happy hardcore is experiencing a huge uprising in America. As a result, artists such as Kayzo are now bringing in the remix talents of Darren & Matt Gammer – and boy, are the results wild. The breakdown is gorgeous, with a beautiful fusing of melodies and chord progression. Then the riff smacks you in the face with a warped stomp-bass, dubstep stabs, trap-influences and more, all before vanishing back into another delicious breakdown of euphoria.

10/10

Alf Graham & Joel Burns 'Ultimate' (Solid State Digital)

Every few years, new names and brands rise up to make a mark on the hard house scene. In the last 12 months, Alf Graham’s Solid State label has stated its claim as a home for the genre’s most forward-thinking, fresh-sounding sounds – and it’s certainly tough to argue with tracks such as ‘Ultimate’, with its heavy bassline, hoover stabs and little rap chops. A minimal piano breakdown plucks away through the break, while a gated riff swirls below then slams in with the rest of the track to carry you across the dancefloor.

8/10

Danny Fierce 'Leons Groove' (FIERCE)

After a short break, the FIERCE imprint has returned at a time when the scene really needs new and exciting music by passionate and hard-working artists. ‘Leons Groove’ is a fusion of chunk ‘n’ funk bass with big hard house vibes, a vocal hook and lots of little sounds and stabs flying around all over the shop. The future is most definitely fierce.

8/10

Playboyz feat MC The Russian 'Lock N Load' (Foolish)

When it comes to hard style, we’re always partial to music that doesn’t take itself too seriously and delivers good production with fresh melodies and heaps of energy. All of those qualities are present in ‘Lock N Load’: while the gorgeous pluck-led riff and vocal draw your ear into a state of euphoria, the low-pitched drop kick is a whole different kettle of chaos. The kick and bass combo is so big, so angry and so aggressive after The Russian’s distorted shouts, it’ll tear any floor to pieces.

7/10

Starman presents Italo Bounce EP6 'On The Move' (Cheeky Tracks)

Kenny Hayes is a one-man tune machine, writing and releasing absolutely stacks of bouncy music month after month. His ‘Italo Bounce’ series is a reference back to that same style: there’s a heavy emphasis on piano and big vocals, and there’s nothing dark or sinister about it. Instead, it’s hands-up fun at its best, and always goes down a treat on any dancefloor. If you’re a fan of stuff that’s simple but effective and fun without being too cheesy, this is the right series for you.

7/10

Eufeion & Frikshon 'Concrete Jungle' (Core Fever)

A new influx of talent is beginning to take over hardcore, being welcomed in by ravers with open arms thirsty for exciting ideas and views on the direction of the scene. ‘Concrete Jungle’ isn’t about big, happy melodies or hands-up diva-laced vocals; it’s a big stomp-a-hole-through-the-floor medley of mayhem and anger. The riff sticks in your head, the bass moves your feet and the end result is you finding yourself in a sweaty frenzy, asking the guy next to you for a swig of their water. Brilliant stuff by Euf & Frik. More like this in the future please, chaps.

8/10