Review: Until Now - Swedish House Mafia

Since its conception in 2008, Swedish House Mafia has become a global EDM phenomenon.  Known for producing hit after hit, and putting on consistently epic performances, Ingrosso, Axwell, and Angello have become the faces of the mainstream Progressive House movement.  The disappointing announcement of SHM’s separation following One Last Tour has been slightly eased by today's release of Until Now, the concluding album from the trio of EDM giants. SHM has compiled their set essentials, making Until Now a 22-track house compilation for the ages. The records are intense, big room house, fitting the SHM mold perfectly. My only grievance with the album is the lack of new material. You'd expect a group with such an enormous fan base to go out with a louder bang – that would only add to the magic of One Last Tour. The "educated" house fan may know most of the tracks on the album, but you’ll surely enjoy the album nonetheless. Because there's no way to sum up the enormous year that has been 2012, without a bit of SHM.

1. "Greyhound" - Swedish House Mafia

"Greyhound" is the iconic SHM set-opener.  They’ve gotten hundreds of crowds in the palm of their hands with this track, and for good reason – it bumps.  No matter who drops it, the Mafia or others, the audience always turns to pandemonium.

2. "Here We Go" - Hard Rock Sofa & Swanky Tunes

For the project it is, “Here We Go” fits Until Now well.  The three Swedes have both supported and consistently dropped the record.  I just feel SHM missed a huge opportunity to go out with a bang – new material for One Last Tour would’ve been sick.

3. "In My Mind" - Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl ft. Georgi Kay (Axwell Remix)

In a festival setting, the synth melodies of Axwell’s In My Mind mix give you the chills.

4. "Calling" (Lose My Mind) - Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso ft. Ryan Tedder

Mentor and prodigy team up to produce a festival banger.  Simple as that.

5. "Atom / Leave the World Behind" - Nari & Milani vs. Laidback Luke vs. Swedish House Mafia

Atom is a bumpin' track with mass appeal.  Mix that with the work of SHM & Laidback Luke (Happy Birthday), and you've got a hype track for sure.

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"Beating of My Heart" - M3ox vs. The Temper Trap (SHM Bootleg)

Matisse & Sadko's remix to M3ox's "Beating of My Heart" was one of the defining Progressive House melodies of 2012, a definite Track of the Day back in May. Clean, airy, and uplifting, Matisse & Sadko's remix erupted on festivals across the nation. We have been eagerly listening to Swedish House Mafia's massive Until Now compilation which comes out next Monday, and this is a definite highlight track. Ingrosso's bootleg was leaked on the internet a while back is finally brought to attention with its feature spot as Track 18 on the trio's final album. A masterful bootleg if we've ever heard one, The Temper Trap's "Sweet Disposition" fits like a glove over the uplifting dance music anthem. Listen, love, and watch out for our review when it drops next Monday!

By Edward Fancher

Your Guide to Saturday at Nocturnal Wonderland 2012

Welcome to the second installment of your Nocturnal Wonderland weekend guide. As amazing as Friday's lineup is, Saturday's definitely takes the cake with two added stages, rather than the three on Friday. I'm having a hard time deciding where I'm going to be all night and I am sure I am not the only one! From a wide array of genres, Insomniac is treating us with a smorgasbord of amazing talent to experience.

tyDi (Alice's House, 4:00 - 5:00 PM)

There is no coming down when tyDi is performing. This Armada trance artist is renowned for his productions - and for good reason! Releasing his first album at 19, this young Trance artist came into the genre by storm. We are definitely excited to kick off our Saturday with him. 

Deniz Koyu (Labyrinth, 5:30 - 6:30 PM)

Creating dance floor bangers like "Bong". Bursting into the scene in 2011, Deniz Koyu is certainly an act to be on the lookout for. Get ready for some great big room progressive house that will make you move your feet!

Myon & Shane 54 ft. Aruna (Alice's House, 6:00 - 7:00 PM)

Performing as their group, Velvetine, Myon & Shane 54 have been making big waves in trance right now. From their infamous mashups, to their amazing weekly podcast, these 3 will surely be a treat to see.

John Dahlbäck (Labyrinth, 7:30 - 8:30 PM)

Producing music at a young age, this DJ was thrown into the game early, and came out a massive success. With his own label among the many he ends up collaborating with, John Dahlbäck definitely knows what he is doing and has under his belt quite a few productions. Seeing this seasoned artist will no doubt be entertaining. 

W&W (Alice's House, 8:00 - 9:30 PM)

With Armin's overwhelming support, you can already be sure that W&W are a duo you will not want to miss. After producing killer tracks like "Shotgun," "Moscow," and of course ASOT 450's Anthem, "Invasion, "we are excited to see them tear up Nocturnal Wonderland's trance stage once more!

Arty (Labyrinth, 9:30 - 10:30 PM)

After just celebrating his birthday the day before in NYC, you can be sure that Arty will still be ready to Party. Since stepping into the scene this Russian progressive producer has gone a long way in a very short amount of time. No Arty, No Party!

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"Don't You Worry Child" - Swedish House Mafia (Music Video)

The Progressive House track that's been sweeping the EDM nation, "Don't You Worry Child," is set for US release September 18. Axwell, Ingrosso, and Angello redeem themselves from a disastrous "Save the World" music video with this breathtaking journey through their famed performance at the Milton Keynes Bowl in the UK. Fireworks in the sky, vast crowds, and enough love to make your heart stop beating, this video is a true gem. The final frame has OneLastTour.com written, which currently says that tour dates are coming soon... "We came, we raved, we loved" may need to be changed to present tense - SHM may not be done with the USA quite yet! Stay tuned for more!

By Edward Fancher

Track of the Day: "Reload" - Ingrosso & Tommy Trash

For those wild animals who danced the Labor Day weekend away at Electric Zoo, or even those who sat the weekend out and streamed the music at home, Sebastian Ingrosso & Tommy Trash's newest collaboration "Reload" is not one to be missed. This Electro House heart-pounder will pulse right through your bones. The track was featured on Tiesto's Club Life 283 and has been having crazy dancing side effects on ravers at every set its made its rounds to! This record is THE smash anthem of 2012 and everyone is anxiously awaiting the official release. With a trailing melody line that continuously loops and circles through your head like a merry-go-round "Reload" is the next record to look out for! We're crossing our fingers for a vocal mix release soon!

By Brooke Forman

Follow me on Twitter: @BrookeForman