Album Review: 2016 by Various – A Genre-Bending Electronic Odyssey
So, you’ve stumbled upon this little gem of an album called 2016. No, it’s not named after some dystopian year where everyone wore masks (oh wait…), but rather a collection of tracks that scream “we made this because we could.” Released under the labels House Cookin’ Records and One Instrument, with contributors hailing from Belgium and Germany, this record is basically a smorgasbord of electronic goodness. Think Experimental, Deep House, Ambient, and just plain weird vibes all mashed together like your grandma’s mystery casserole.
Let’s dive into two standout tracks that’ll stick in your brain longer than last week’s leftovers.
First up, we’ve got "Jazz-O-Matic (Khillaudio Remix)." Now, if jazz and house music had a love child, this would be it—except instead of diapers, they’re wearing neon leg warmers. This remix takes the original mix (which is also on the album, FYI) and cranks it up to eleven. The groove hits so hard you might accidentally start breakdancing in your kitchen. I mean, who doesn’t want their morning coffee accompanied by funky basslines and synths that sound like they escaped from a retro sci-fi movie? It’s impossible not to nod along to this one; even my cat seemed impressed.
Then there’s "Colors (Original Mix)," which feels like floating through a kaleidoscope while someone whispers existential poetry into your ear. Is it deep? Absolutely. Is it pretentious? Maybe a little. But hey, isn’t that what ambient music is all about? The track builds slowly, layering textures until you’re fully submerged in its sonic soup. By the end, you’ll either feel enlightened or mildly confused—but either way, it’s memorable. Like that time you tried to explain blockchain at a party.
Other honorable mentions include "Fender Stratocaster Vintage (70’s)" for obvious reasons (hello, guitar nerds!) and "Korg MS-20 1978 Classic" because, well, how can you not respect a vintage synth flex? Oh, and let’s not forget "Keep It Alive (Original Mix)," which sounds exactly like its title: energetic, relentless, and slightly unhinged.
What strikes me most about 2016 is how unapologetically eclectic it is. Sure, it jumps between genres faster than a caffeinated DJ switching playlists, but somehow it works. Maybe it’s the shared DNA of House Cookin’ Records and One Instrument, or maybe it’s just pure luck. Either way, it’s refreshing in an era where everything feels overly curated and polished.
In conclusion, listening to 2016 is like attending a house party where every room plays a different genre, and no one cares as long as the vibe stays good. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, BAM—you’re hit with something completely unexpected. Final thought: If albums were people, this one would definitely be that quirky friend who always shows up late but steals the show anyway. And honestly? We need more of those.
