Customer Reviews

Bangarang

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've always liked electronic music but there's always been separation between all the sub-genres. Skrillex's work cannot be defined by classification really. Bangarang EP is his latest and flows from start to finish (though the titles wouldn't really indicate so). It's very high energy, and you'll find yourself bobbin' to the beat during whatever it is that you're doing. There were some mixes out there (I'm thinking about Bangarang) done by other DJs, but Skrillex's sound is very unique and polished, so these songs still sound new and different to me. If you've listened to most of his work, you'll agree that you can't really categorize it (and you shouldn't). That's his visionary style. Forum-warriors will duke it out to determine where he belongs along the spectrum of electronic music. He doesn't care. He just sees "music", and that's good. Nowadays, I tell people to just listen. If you like it, you like it; if you don't, you don't. Plain and simple.

Skrillex blew me away with Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites; this time, he gives us a follow-up that feels more direct and less layered. The hooks aren't as mindblowing as Scary Monsters, but there's enough on here to satisfy. While there was less vocal layering than I would like, this album deserved every penny I paid for it. Let's take it a track at a time.

01. Right In: Definitely feeling the drop at around 0:59 (sounds like S-S-SONNNYY). Whenever Skrillex layers vocals and instruments into a melody, it's creates a very powerful effect. While the other distorted, "transformers-sounding" drops are more forgettable, this beginning track sets off the album right, with an absolute club shaker coming in afterward - reminding me of why I love Skrillex.

02. Bangarang: The drop hits HARD. Sirah was NOT needed, however; I am not feeling this sudden mix of house music with rap (David Guetta, recent tracks by Deadmau5 with Sofi); this may be an opinion of only mine, because it keeps happening, but I digress. This is definitely one of my favorite drops by Skrillex, though, hands down.

03. Breakn' a Sweat: The centerpiece of the album comes in at full force, with one of the most ADDICTING hooks I've ever heard in a song. This collaboration with the Doors showcases Ray Manzarek's awesome keyboarding abilities that I'm sure we're all well aware of; Skrillex takes hold of the buildup and never lets it down, repeating a chorus that is more than well-deserved to be repeated, although one bridge too many. A nice quote from Jim Morrison from back in the day accurately predicts how the song it is featured in has been made; very interesting.

04. The Devil's Den (feat. Wolfgang Gartner): This is definitely a different style for Skrillex, for all of those people saying that he is mostly rehashing his old presets on his Massive VST. Wolfgang Gartner gives this track not only a different BPM, but a different feel overall - becoming the closest thing we can get to at the moment of what a collab with the Mau5 would sound like.

05. Right on Time: This is two different songs, with the 2nd starting at 1:39, and then going back to the first at 2:50. Personally, my least favorite song. A discord synth that reminds me of the most generic house music you can think of, with an extremely repetitive "RIGHT-ON-TIME" sample playing throughout the whole time. I had to skip this one, although I listened to the whole album straight through. I know that Skrillex is trying to venture into other genres, and he definitely has. But this is just a mistake.

06. Kyoto: The hook is pure quality. One of his best; so good, to the point where Sirah actually fitted in here. The guitar hook, the rolling hip-hop snares, everything about this track shows Skrillex getting into a more hip-hop/rock/crunk feel, but still sticking to what he's known for best: distorted dubstep & electro. But honestly, I'm only using genres for comparison; I still am at a loss for words in terms of a genre to put Sonny Moore in. And it shows - with his wide variety of musical styles, apparent with the transition from this to the next track.

07. Summit: The "With You, Friends" of Bangarang. Very light, but in contrast to "With You", keeps it's tempo and beat all throughout (besides a few well-fitted breakdowns). The "chill" track of the album, it sends us off with a feeling of uncertainty, as if there might be a second part to an album that was already a sequel.

In short, this album is worth buying. Is it a complete work? In a sense, yes. Does it feel that way? Unfortunately, no - but if you like catchy electronic music that you can dance to, and has a recognizable well-crafted hook, then you will easily enjoy Skrillex's newest work. You can always be a critic, but don't let that stop you from enjoying this - ignore the fact that Skrillex has put something out similar to this, and instead let your instinct allow you to decide.

No Soph Slump here. Skrillex shows growth and finds new ideas to make this album worth your $6.99. Don't try to put a label on what he's doing. Just listen. If you like it, then it's good. As for me, it's good.

This guy just continues to impress. He definitely expands on his trademark powerful robotic sound mixing a larger array of pitches as well as other sounds. There is also more collaboration with vocals in his work with Sirah, who has some nice flow. There's also more bounce in this album and I find my head bouncing even more than on the last one. I'm definitely a solid fan of Skrillex with this piece and look forward to what he comes up with next. Here's hoping he gets a grammy.

I generally don't listen to this type of music (the name of which is in some dispute all over the Internet, I seem to notice) but I make an exception for Skrillex. I found an earlier version of the title track elsewhere a couple months ago and I was stoked when I found out it was going to be on this EP. The other tracks are, I think, more than up to scratch, especially "Right In" and "Kyoto". I concur with an earlier review that says "Right On Time" is the weakest track. However, I felt too pleased by the rest to give the whole effort anything less than the 5-star "I love it" rating.

As far as the great controversies that are.. umm... electronic music & Skrillex... I would suggest that the skeptical download the Orchestral Suite. Dubstep/dance/electronic/etc/whatever does not usually communicate emotion so much as adrenaline to me, but I have found this artist to be an encouraging exception. The Orchestral Suite, to me, offers further evidence that there is something special going on here, because the music, a medley of Skrillex "choons", is just as some-kinda-beautiful in the new interpretation.

In other words? "YES!! OMG!!!"

Other than "Right on Time", which I personally really (really) dislike, it's a solid EP. Disliking one song is not worth less than 5 stars, as the rest of the tracks make up for that one track. People in the industry can hate Skrillex all they want, but they cannot deny his ability to continually lay down fantastic melodies, vocals, and harsh synths. Don't let others influence what you like or dislike. Take a listen, buy the album, and support a great artist.

Right In - Great vocal work and harmonics. The "Right In" and overall vocals remind me a lot of Daft Punk.

Bangarang - Awesome up beat album. Signature Skrillex with awesome sampled vocals and bits. Great mix of harsh synths.

Breakin' A Sweat - More laid back than the other tracks, great drum beats, melodic synths, and guitar sounds, mixed with typical distorted growls.

The Devil's Den - Good all around track, but nothing really innovative or new. Still a great addition to the EP, however.

Right on Time - Annoying vocals, overdone synths, and has zero emotion or heart into this track. Horrible track. It almost seems like Deadmau5 (which I honestly don't think is very good sans a few tracks) stuck his hand into this work, and ruined it.

Kyoto - Beats, guitar, and vocals are very hip-hop-esque. Later on are the signature synths added in. I could very much see an artist rapping over this track (besides Sirah). That's not a bad thing, and lends some variety to the EP.

Summit - One of the best tracks on the album in my opinion. Great vocals, variety, and synths. Very likable track.

Skrillex has really done it with this album. The music is great, and trust me, I know some good music. The only disadvantage to this CD is that it is rather short, only 7 songs (about 35 minutes). The price is cheap though, which justifies that. If you like Skrillex or want to try something new, then get it.

Do yourself a favor and buy this on Beatport, Itunes, or another real music site. MP3s just don't do skrillex justice.. he deserves a better audio format.

This guy is a musical genius.
My only beef with this release is how short it is, but i've always preferred quality over quantity.
Every song is solid, unique, and brilliant.
Youre the man, Sonny!

The Cd is awesome. I love all songs on it. Worth the money and my favorite track is The Devil's Den and Summit. :)