There's a definitive moment each year where I experience a moment listening to new music that stops me in my tracks, and makes me realize,"Oh, Miami is coming up." This time of year – in the weeks leading up to Miami Music Week, Winter Music Conference, and the launch of festival season – can be quiet, but there's always a moment where getting slapped in the face with a future track of the year, as a reminder that everyone brings their A-game to electronic music's springtime. That, is what the latest track from Mr. Tophat has been for me in 2020, entitled "Time Lapse," along with its b-side remix from DJ Tennis.
"Time Lapse" is the first original from Mr. Tophat since the release of his 4-part album Dusk to Dawn in 2019. While the Swedish electronic artist frequently works on cross-category releases like with Robyn, or on his often vinyl-only releases, this latest is a reaffirmation of his command of creating music, and his ability to operate on his own plane.
"Time Lapse" is transparent in describing both its length – the original mix clocks in at over 12 minutes – and its quality. Simply put, Mr. Tophat's work on the original, as well as DJ Tennis's remix, is something you can hear being played at raves in the present as well as decades in the future; it has a timeless effect. With an ethereal vocal reminiscent of 1990's Tiesto and Ferry Corsten, Noomi joins as production swirls through a smooth and acidic retro ravey finish.
DJ Tennis's version is an impressive complement, bringing entrancing disco elements into the fray. He had to get on the track when, nearly one year ago, he heard Axel Boman play it during a b2b they played last Miami Music Week. "I realised how well crafted the original was," he says, "with a classic flute player, incredible singer and synths and analogue compression – it was a work of art like a pop track on a major label. Beautifully made," he said in a press release.
"Time Lapse is out now via DJ Tennis's Life And Death.
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