It was a little over a year ago that Sonny Moore independently released the My Name is Skrillex EP for free. In the months that followed, the EDM landscape was permanently changed. Millions of newcomers were drawn to his unique sound, rock-like stage presence, and bad haircut. Love him or hate him, Skrillex has shown time and again that his production skills are impeccable, his energy unmatched, and his artistic vision inspiring. 

The Bangrang EP is 7 track collection of eclectic, genre-bending productions. While not as impressive as Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, this EP is just the sort of heavy-hitting, yet melodic, fare we’ve come to expect out of this young producer. With incredible collaborations alongside Wolfgang Gartner, Kill The Noise, 12th Planet, and The Doors (not to mention the insanely addictive title track) Skrillex has once again proven that he is at the top of his game. As his sound continues to evolve and grow we can’t wait to see what he has in store for 2012. But we just have one question, where are “Voltage” and “True Gangsters?”

Full review after the break.

1. Skrillex – Right In (Original Mix) 140 BPM, 9A

“Right In” is the type of track we’ve come to expect from Sonny Moore.  The high energy wobbles are complimented with a melodic synth and Skrillex’s signature high-pitched vocals. At around 1:20 the track reaches critical mass as Sonny subtly samples the sounds of cheering fans behind the driving bass line.

2. Skrillex – Bangarang feat. Sirah (Original Mix) 110 BPM, 6A

The title track is the stand out production on this EP.  At 110 BPM the moombahton influence is undeniable and works perfectly with the familiar Skrillex sound. “Bangarang” opens with a rock star guitar riff while Sirah inspires listeners to get rowdy. It builds quickly and drops relentlessly; this one is destined to be a festival tent destroyer.

3. Skrillex and The Doors – Breakn’ A Sweat (Original Mix) 140 BPM, 9A

“Breakn’ A Sweat” is interesting and inspired, although at times a bit hard to swallow. We aren’t sure how we feel about the crossover, but the one thing we do know is that to take a classic, renowned rock group and fuse their sound with this extremely contemporary style of music is something that has never been done before. It’s testament to the evolution that EDM as a whole has seen in the last few years and is another step towards complete mainstream acceptance.

4. Skrillex and Wolfgang Gartner – The Devil’s Den  128 BPM, 4A

“The Devil’s Den” is the most evenly balanced collaboration in this package. Both Skrillex and Wolfgang are two of the most talented producers in dubstep and electro, so it’s no surprise that their first collaboration reflects their talents. “The Devil’s Den” is the perfect fusion of both sounds, with both artists contributions equally recognizable yet harmonious. It’s not just a track, but an actual symphony. Don’t believe us? Put on a decent pair of headphones and crank this one, you won’t be disappointed.

5. Skrillex, 12th Planet, and Kill The Noise – Right On Time (Original Mix) 140 BPM, 5A

Barely recognizable as a Skrillex track, “Right On Time” feels more like a 12th Planet and Kill the Noise collaboration. Up until the final 30 seconds Sonny’s presence is nowhere to be found, at which point it is brief and immediately forgettable. It’s a much less complex than the usual Skrillex productions and is the weakest track on this EP.

6. Skrillex – Kyoto feat. Sirah (Original Mix) 117 BPM, 11A

We had a hard time assigning a rating to “Kyoto” simply because Skrillex fans have heard this track with different vocals countless times before. Originally leaked as “Ruff Neck Bass” months ago, the drop on this track is monstrously aggressive. For us, this could have been a 4 star track but we prefer the original’s “Are you ready for the ruff neck bass?” as opposed to Sirah’s juvenile rapping.

7. Summit feat. Ellie Goulding (Original Mix) 93 BPM, 2B

Originally called “Breathe,” tracks like “Summit” prove that Skrillex isn’t a one trick pony. Ellie Goulding lends her incredibly beautiful voice to the most mellow track on this EP. This one will appeal to the non-dubsteppers in our audience, it is a relaxing and entrancing track, perfect for nursing those Sunday hangovers.

Editor’s Note: Confused about the numbers? We thought it would be a nice touch to include the BPM and key of the tracks for the DJs in our audience.

Purchase: Beatport

Categories: Music