Friday, June 15, 2012

Go full "Spectrum" with Zedd

Zedd (Anton Zaslavski) just release his latest single titled "Spectrum".  Zedd is an electronic artist that mainly focuses on the Electronic House genre.  At 22, Zedd is going places, fast!  The German-born artist has an excellent background in music thanks to his parents, which are themselves musicians.  He can play the piano and the drums, but chose the electronic route.  An we thank him for all he has done in the sort time he's been producing music.


Like most electronic artists, he participates heavily in remixing mainstream music hits for such artists as Lady Gaga, Skrillex, Blacked Eyed Peas, and Fatboy Slim to name a few.  However, as of June 7th he blessed us with his latest non-mixed single.


"Spectrum" starts out as any House/Trance song would, a fast 8th note electric snare drum with an encroaching synth progression.  It quickly transforms into a full-featured song with a traditional base line and a brief cruchy synth.  Just when you think this is going to be boring Trance song, everything cuts-out and Matthew Koma's voice creeps in.  As the name would suggest to the reader Matthew male, duh!  However, to the unbeknownst listener, you would suspect a female.  Matthew's site is here.  Maroon 5, you don't have shit on Matthew as far as vocals are concerned.  Also, I can't help but think of the movie "Train Spotting" when looking at Matthew's picture on his site.  Matt's vocals are the icing on this single's cake!


Ok, back to the review.  Spectrum is a great title since Zedd uses a little bit of everything in this song.  Vocals for the Progressive enthusiasts, hard-hitting sawtooth base synths for you Dubstep lovers, and high-energy rythms for the Trance aficionados.  There is even some quirky sound affects that sound reminiscent of those in BT's "These Hopeful Machines" album.


Along with the highs in Spectrum come the cool and chill parts to let you catch your breath.  But don't get too relaxed.  Before you know it the blood is pumping again and you'll find your hand trying to turn up that volume knob.


Overall, Spectrum is one of those songs that anyone would like.  It's kind of like the last StarTrek movie.  Even non-Trekies thought it was awesome!  So no need to be a Techno/Electronic glowstick flinger.  Everyone should hold back on the stereotypes and give this one a listen.


Criticisms:  The ending of the song is too abrupt.  Just when you think it's time for another round, it's over.  I think Zedd could have found a better way to let us down.  He gets us hooked and then, blam!  No more soup for you!  Second and final, is the siren halfway through the song.  Just did not do it for me and kind of train-wrecks you mental mindset.


Spectrum can be found on Beatport.com or on iTunes.  Also, checkout a great teaser video of Zedd teaming up with Skrillex to remix "Don't Slam the Cinema".


Cheers!