ABOUT MAD-HOP

Mad-Hop were established back in 2009 as the Last.fm group. Since 2011, there have been eight volumes of the Mad-Hop compilation series released with the next addition, ‘Mad-Hop Vol.9’, coming out this year. Establishing their YouTube channel back in February of 2011, Mad-Hop have gathered an impressive collective total of almost two-hundred and fifty thousand views. In 2012, Mad-Hop made the transition to becoming their own record label.

UPCOMING RELEASE

During the current global pandemic, one of the worst hit industries is unquestionably music performance and all of its various expressive forms that include singer-songwriters, bands, DJs, producers, sound engineers, not to mention the plethora of crew and staff intrinsically linked to the success of a show. There is no denying that this is a trying time for all. However, Mad-Hop have decided to take this negative situation and use it to help support and promote some of the best modern hip-hop and electronic artists out there.

FEATURED TRACKS

‘Dancing In Vain’ - B-Ju sits at a smooth 75bpm and begins with a distant guitar rhythmic section until the first drop at the 0:12 mark. Combining an effected vocal line with various panned instrumentation, the track has a laid-back style which allows room for an impressive compositional arrangement that amalgamates to form a unique and melodic sound. At 01:07 the track breaks down temporarily whilst incorporating a new vocal melody. At the 01:33 mark, a fast frequency build allows for the drop that continues with the new melody. A second breakdown instrumental section sits between 1:56 and 2:08 before the single kicks in once again with a developed percussive beat. 

‘Ruins’ - CloZee sits at a steady 85bpm an commences with an instrumental section that creates ambient tension before the percussive line kicks-in at the 0:20 mark. A mysterious yet melodic vocal line begins to filter in through the beautifully balanced mix. Various additional clean electric guitar riffs radiate throughout the track and follow an improvisational style that is perfect for the flow of this single. A drop at the 03:20 mark invites a new vocal layer that gently builds with a crescendo, reaching 03:50 and continuing to push through with intensity until 04:39. From this stage, the track begins to strip back the instrumentation as a form of elongated outro to the excellent and creative composition. 

‘Run Me Down (Sina. Remix)’ - CSAAR sits at a deceptive 130bpm with the initial section of the track relying predominately upon ambient synth and various instrumentation, complimented by the main vocal line. At 0:44, the first consistent percussive section is added which creates a progressive build. The first main drop hits at 01:17 and provides an eclectic rhythm that reflects the swirling instrumentation and vocal performance. A lower octave vocal line adds a layer of dark mystery that fits in with the theme of this single. The sub-bass, coupled with the synth and layered vocals creates an epic sound that is completely unique to CSAAR.

‘Petrified (Nery Remix)’ - Joana Espadinha sits at 75bpm and uses a strong crackle effect mixed with clean instrumentation during the opening section of the track. The layered vocal creates an ominous tension with the relaxed vocal color becoming intensified by the lower octave line and additional layers. A powerful sub-bass kicks in at the 0:55 mark which adds a foundational component to the single. An unorthodox percussive beat comes in at around the 01:22 mark, adding a sense of momentum that successfully adds to the creativity of the track with the use of syncopated rhythms. With a partial drop providing emphasis on the vocal line, followed by a build that creates a psychedelic echoed ambience, this track continues to draw the listener into Joana’s world right until the end.

If you are looking for an album that contains incredible talent and diverse creative expression, you’ll want to check out ‘Mad-Hop Vol.9’. Make sure you follow Mad-Hop on their social media to keep up to date with upcoming releases! 

ALBUM: Mad-Hop Vol.9

TRACKS: 12 

GENRE: Hip-Hop/Electronic

SOCIAL MEDIA