[divider]Production[/divider]
Typical with Excision’s work, the production quality of Codename X is remarkable. He’s able to experiment within the realms of bass without sacrificing any of the aspects of Excision tunes we know and love. No matter if he’s slowing it down, speeding it up, working with vocals, runnin’ tha trap, or bringing all of the bass, Excision is able to deliver high-quality productions as consistently as any artist out there. Float Away, one of several new originals from Excision, is a great example of the Canadian’s ability to delve into a sound, make it his own, and create a wonderful tune.
Featured Track: Float Away
[divider]Songwriting[/divider]
The songwriting in Codename X is the greatest example of the evolution of Excision as a producer. He’s worked with, and undoubtedly learned from, tons of artists and the application of this growing knowledge, confidence, and experience showcases itself in the best ways throughout Codename X. One of the hardest working people in all of music, how Jeff Abel finds the time to run a label, work and tour with Destroid, work and tour as Excision, and develop his sound and style is one of the things that make him indispensable to dance music.
Featured Track: Interstellar feat. Dion Timmer & Rise At Night
https://soundcloud.com/edm/excision-dion-timmer-interstellar-ft-rise-at-night-edmcom-premiere
[divider]Cohesion[/divider]
As you’d expect with high-quality production, and a mind that understands music and his product as well as Excision, the cohesiveness of Codename X is excellent. Much like his immaculate sets, Excision is able to get your fist pumping one minute and your body grooving the next, all with a flow as smooth as Messinian’s rhymes. Codename X brings the bass and does so without forcing it down your throat (ears?) or making you work to find the songs you like. Simply press play, and let Excision do the rest.
Featured Track: X Up feat. The Frim, Messinian
[divider]Originality[/divider]
Excision’s brand of bass-heavy sounds has a distinct style in itself, something that’s clear when listening to Destroid and other collaborations. Codename X is full of his storied sound and style, but much like his songwriting, Excision isn’t afraid to take on anything. So, when we saw a tune entitled Robo Kitty, we were intrigued. Featuring Destroid cohort Downlink, it’s the best animal-themed tune since DJ Snake’s Bird Machine, and is just another reason to love Excision. Caution is needed, though, as this Robo Kitty isn’t afraid to bare it’s claws or show it’s teeth.
Featured Track: Robo Kitty feat. Downlink
Codename X joins Above & Beyond’s We Are All We Need in picking up where dance music left off in 2014. Last year featured several quality works from the likes of Porter Robinson, deadmau5, Knife Party, and more. We’re excited to see if artists like Madeon and NERO can continue dance music’s great run of albums along with Excision. Let us know what you think of Codename X and if you think it’ll be topped in 2015! Comment below, on Facebook, or reply on Twitter!
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
