7) EPTIC – The End (Carnage & Breaux Festival Trap Remix)
This tune was everywhere on the festival circuit this year, and it’s exactly what 2015 was about: harsh aural assaults to make you cringe with joy. Carnage and Breaux successfully explored the opportunities presented by leaving more space in the mix, resulting in a spastic buildup that drops into a veritable slump-fest. That screeching lead, juxtaposed by a full spectrum dose of bass, is more than enough to swing your trap arms and induce your “Oh” face.
8) Gucci Mane – Pillz (Dr. Fresch Remix)
As one of the forerunners of today’s bass house movement, Dr. Fresch treated the masses with his own brand of prescription this year, blending classic house elements with cavernous basslines. More than ever, 2015 blurred the lines between hip-hop and dance music, with “Pillz” being a stellar example.
The arrangement sounds like it could have been a straight-up collaboration rather than a remix, and the vocal processing supplements the lyrical content wonderfully. Stepping back and forth between bass and G-house, this tune is dark and gritty in the best way imaginable.
9) Knife Party – Plur Police (Jauz Remix)
It’s not too rare to have a remix sound better than the original, but for a remix to outshine the original artist’s entire EP just doesn’t happen. But this is exactly the case for JAUZ’ iteration of Knife Party’s “Plur Police.”
Bamboo shoots rattle to the vocals, audacious wubs push woofers to the limit, and a scintillating recorder sounds the hollow melody. Half-time steps let the breakdown take control of the mix, and the bridge’s string pads and angelic chorus only exalt the arrangement further.
You’ll feel this one in your bones, trust us.
