Ken Loi’s ‘Play Me’ EP: the Dancing Astronaut review

Just two weeks ago we posted the teaser for Ken Loi’s Play Me EP and said that all signs point to this release being huge. Well, February 21st is finally upon us and, well… we were right. Not only is the EP chock full of banging tracks but, taken as a whole, the release truly speaks to his versatility as a producer.

The title track “Play Me,” for example, is a Dutch-inflected big-room banger whose huge melody leads into an absolutely thumping drop. On the other hand, tracks like “Dope Sky” and “Hands Up” are mildly reminiscent of Hardwell, with huge rave synths that are sure to drive dance floors wild. If you’re in need of well-rounded dance music gold, look no further. Check out all six tracks – and our take on each – past the break.

1. Play Me (Original Mix)

Loi was not messing around with “Play Me.” The production value is impeccable, and the hypnotic synth melody is endlessly catchy. Boldfaced names who have supported Ken in the past – Kaskade, Tiesto, the list goes on – should seriously consider throwing this into their festival sets this spring.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

2. Dope Sky (Original Mix)

“Dope Sky” keeps the energy high with a bouncy drum and in-your-face build-up. We love how things take a slight turn for the trippy after the drop.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

3. Electric Neon (Original Mix)

With a slightly moodier, more urgent vibe, “Electric Neon” has a dramatic drop that DJs like Ingrosso or Alesso would deploy to great effect (and we hope they do!).

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

4. Blitz (Original Mix)

This track has the driving energy and tech-house bounce of Fedde Le Grand’s “Back and Forth,” but grows into something much brighter and more progressive.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

5. Hands Up (Original Mix)

The appropriately-titled “Hands Up” is Ken’s foray into piano-driven house, and he succeeds on all fronts. What makes the track unique is the sharp synth that finds its way into the build-up and drop – it’s “Zero 76″-esque in the best possible way.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

6. Cutoff (Original Mix)

“Cutoff” is bursting with attitude. A cheeky melody and loud snaps keep this from sounding like the countless other tracks that straddle the line between progressive and electro house.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Via: Complete Control Management

Purchase: Beatport

Lauren Lipsay contributed to this report.