Album Review: Villains by Maddmon + Killem With Colour
Alright, let’s talk about Villains, the 2019 house banger from Maddmon and Killem With Colour. Released under Brooklyn Fire (shoutout to them for consistently keeping it fresh), this album is a wild ride through pulsing beats, moody synths, and that signature house vibe that makes you wanna move—even if you’re just sitting in your car pretending you’re at a club.
The title track, “Villains,” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s got this hypnotic bassline that feels like it’s stalking you—yeah, kind of ironic given the name—but then it flips into this euphoric drop that just grabs you by the soul. I mean, seriously, one minute you’re vibin’, and the next you’re like, “Wait…am I the villain here?” That’s the genius of it. The production is tight but not overdone, leaving enough room for those little details to creep up on you. You know what I mean? Like when you think no one’s watching, but the music totally is.
Then there’s another standout, though I won’t spoil which one—you gotta listen for yourself—but let’s just say it slaps with this glitchy, almost chaotic energy that somehow still feels smooth as hell. It’s like they took a bunch of broken pieces and stitched ‘em together into something beautiful. Or maybe ugly-beautiful? Either way, it sticks with you.
What I love most about Villains is how unapologetically itself it is. No frills, no trying-too-hard-to-be-cool nonsense. Just raw, gritty house music that knows exactly where it came from and doesn’t care where it’s going. And honestly? That’s rare these days.
So yeah, if you’re into electronic vibes that make you question whether you’re dancing or being danced on, give this album a spin. But fair warning—it might leave you wondering who the real villain is. Spoiler alert: it’s probably you.
Oh, and PS: If you ever see Maddmon and Killem With Colour live, go. Just trust me. Your feet will hate you tomorrow, but your heart will thank you forever.
