Riggs' Musical Rants & Reviews

February 2, 2012

BANGARANG

Electronic music producer Skrillex released his 4th EP (which means more than a single, but less than a whole album) Bangarang exclusively on Beatport, an online music store that caters to DJs, on December 23rd, 2011, while being released on other online retailers on December 27th, 2011. It was then released as a physical CD on January 24th, 2012.  The five-time Grammy nominee has a very distinct, futuristic sound using prominent elements of dubstep and trance layered with vocal samples and rhythmic build-ups.

Sonny John Moore was born and raised in Northeast Los Angeles, California before joining the post-hardcore band From First to Last as the lead singer in 2004.  Several successful albums and tours later, Moore started suffering vocal problems, causing the band to withdraw from several tours.  After going through a successful vocal surgical procedure, Moore informed the band he would be permanently resigning to work on a solo career.  Thus began the career of electronic music icon Skrillex.  By combining elements of dub with rock overtones and busy industrial and mechanical sounds, his maniacal music is reaching a far larger crowd than most artists who only appeal to a certain genre-loving crowd.

The album begins with the track “Right In” which utilizes normal repetition for techno music, dub-type wobble bass, and several time signature changes.  If you’ve never heard Skrillex, imagine an alien construction site...or perhaps the Transformers over a dance beat.  If you’ve never seen Transformers, well, you should get out more often!  Next is the title track “Bangarang” which incorporates a real electric guitar riff and has more musicality than most of these songs.  He is a master at sampling and he digitally chops up lyrics and rearranges them to make his own melody. 

“Breakn’ A Sweat” is next which claims to feature classic rock band The Doors, although the only resemblance I hear is the vocal sample “C’mon baby light my fire.”  Although some critics berate Skrillex for using the same techniques in most of his music, no one has the same style, and it wouldn’t be electronic music if it wasn’t repetitive.  The album continues with “The Devil’s Den” with trance-inducing electronic noises placed precisely over a techno beat.  With some songs leaning towards techno, others very much dubstep, and some bending the genre barriers all together, Skrillex has released an excellent EP that is sure to appeal to a diverse crowd.

I give the EP Bangarang 3 out of 4 Music Notes for its sheer individuality.  His work stands out in a genre of ambiguity.  I like artists that you know their work was produced by them and them alone when you see or hear it.  His sound is unlike any DJ I’ve ever heard.  I’m sure it will be emulated by DJs around the world very soon.  If you enjoy experimental or electronic music of any sort, pick up Bangarang by Skrillex for a very unique and unequivocal sound.