Less than two weeks after absolutely murdering it at Electric Zoo Festival, Porter Robinson released his latest effort this week, titled Spitfire. Coming in the form of an EP, the collection features six brand new original tracks and five remixes by artists such as Knife Party, SkisM, and Kill the Noise. The EP was released on Skrillex’s newly-founded OWSLA records, which can only mean big things for Porter Robinson.
After a few listens, this release has a different feel than the Porter we’ve come to know and love (think songs like “Say My Name” and “The Wildcat”). Personally, my first reaction was that it’s darker than what I was used to from his work. My second reaction was the realization that Robinson has deviated from creating 100% Electro-House to experimenting with the sounds of Dubstep and Moombahton – including songs that register at 128bpm, 140bpm, and 108bpm (his previous productions have all been steady 128bpm beats). What continues to be true, however, is that Porter makes dirty, filthy, hard-hitting music. It’s clear he’s spent some time with big names such as Skrillex because his sound has started to go in that direction.
What else can I say about this 19-year-old prodigy? He’s barely out of high school and makes more money than I do after I attended four years of college. For someone who I had previously heard was lacking in live DJ skills, Robinson managed to impress me at Zoo, showing that he is a very quick learner. Next up for the North Carolina native is a college tour with Tiesto and then the Spitfire Tour which will be a North American club tour supporting this latest release. If you have a chance to see him live in the coming months, do yourself a favor and make sure you attend.
Here are a couple stand-out tracks from the EP. If you like what you hear, support Porter Robinson by picking it up exclusively at Beatport.
The first selection is very melodic, with uplifting vocals by Jano and powerful synths by Robinson. But at 3:00 you remember it’s a Porter Robinson song and the drop is as filthy as ever. This is more of a standard Porter electro-house song, coming in at 128bpm. Already atop my favorites on the EP, I can see this song being played around the world due to its uplifting nature yet heavy danceable drops.
Porter Robinson ft. Jano – The Seconds
Next I bring you Porter Robinson’s first Moombahton song. Let me preface this by saying I love filthy Moombahton, so I was curious to hear his take on the genre. Well, he didn’t disappoint. This is definitely a stand-out track from the EP, keeping the Porter filth but slowing down the beat so maybe Dillon Francis can throw it in his next mini-mix. Also, what a sick name… maybe the boy is quickly turning into a man?
Porter Robinson – 100% In The Bitch
Lastly I give you one of the remixes from the EP, by my new favorite duo: Knife Party. Their remix is exactly on par with the previous songs they have put out – it’s got a Moombahton feel with a Skrillexy deep distorted bass line. I’ve got to say, this is exactly what I expected if Porter’s “Say My Name” had sloppy drunken sex with Knife Party’s “Zoology” (ft. Skrillex) and they had a dirty bastard child.
Porter Robinson – Unison (Knife Party Remix)
Again, these songs are just the tip of the iceberg, so if you like what you hear make sure to show your love and buy the EP!