Delphic - Doubt (Riton Remix)
Anthemic electro-pop recalling both Hot Chip and Bloc Party, given a bass punch from Riton. Once those synth and laser stabs come in around 1:30 it picks up an infectious groove that builds around the looped vocal.
Fenech-Soler - Lies (Herve Remix)
Another breakthrough act in the overcrowded indie-electro scene this year, as with Delphic this is their most festival ready moment. The re-release in September saw this remix from Herve who brings driving tribal percussion and a rush of urgency to the proceedings.
Flight Facilities ft. Giselle - Crave You (Bxentric Remix)
A perfectly polished piece of retro disco-house that showcases everything that should be great about such a song. Gorgeous honey-dripped vocals expressing yearning desire, bongos, xylophones, brass sections and most of all that essential beat.
Hot Club De Paris - Free The Pterodactyl 3
Not many bands release a single based upon the guitarist's "scrape with the law whilst attempting the liberation of a 3 metre fibreglass Pterodactyl from a derelict fun fair." But then not many bands are like Hot Club De Paris, slowly building a cult following since their 2004 debut with their witty indie-pop, all obscure time signatures and word-play, barbershop harmonies and math rock.
Lee Mortimer & Foamo - Superman
Collaborations have become the norm between dance producers this year and this was one of the best. Lee Mortimer and Foamo came together to release this diva sampling slice of disco-house that sporadically drops into some dirty fidgety bass. The drop at 3.40 is just nasty in the right hands.
Massive Attack - Paradise Circus
After a seven year wait for new material, 3D and Daddy G pre-empted the album with this stunning, sultry, smoky track that recalled all those timeless moments from their previous work. Always building subtly in the background, soaring strings, handclaps and piano progressions constantly raise Hope Sandoval's vocal as the perfect welcome back into their sonic world.
Mystery Jets - Flash A Hungry Smile
Album by album Mystery Jets are growing into one of our greatest bands. The quirky, messy, jumble of influences seen on their debut seem such a long way in the distant now and Blaine's voice has grown into one of the most powerful around. Here the catchy whistles and swirls underpin a wonderful pop song that recalls Super Furry Animals at their finest.
N.E.R.D. ft. Daft Punk - Hypnotize You (Nero Remix)
Daft Punk producing N.E.R.D.? Yes please. Nero on the remix? That's too much. A superstar collaboration that does everything you'd expect it to, Pharell's vocals are sweet and soulful, Daft Punk add a robotic sheen and Nero gives it all a deep bass wash and extends the drama.
Nouveau Yorican - Boriqua
A collaboration between Laidback Luke and Gina Turner this is house at its most self-referential, at the same time managing to sound retro and from the future. Part Latin grooves, part Chicago House vibes, part jackin' beats this is all good.
Sunday Girl - Four Floors (Diplo Edit)
Still way ahead of virtually everyone else in the game (it's probably down to his Blackberry you know), every year Diplo crafts a classic and introduces us to some of the most exciting artists out there. Elegant vocals from Sunday Girl, serious reverberating basslines from Diplo.
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