The Punchline series, curated by the Ba Dum Tish collective and guided by the artistic visions of Alec Falconer, Harry Wills, and Dr Banana, returns for its sixth installment. This time, the compilation features four distinctive tracks from Ron Brown, Luuk Van Dijk, Lidl, and WKD40. Characterized by substantial samples and commanding beats, the series continues its legacy of delivering dancefloor-centric compositions that seamlessly blend nostalgia with contemporary energy.
Opening the compilation is Ron Brown‘s Ice Ice Bitch, a resounding nod to the 90s. Saverio Russo, operating under the alias Ron Brown, crafts a track deeply infused with 90s Eurodance influences. Featuring a captivating Eurodance rap segment and recurring vocal snippets layered over a Techhouse foundation adorned with profound chords, Ice Ice Bitch is a compelling piece. Its ability to seamlessly integrate nostalgic elements with a contemporary beat makes it a versatile addition, ensuring its effectiveness in maintaining the groove within a set or revitalizing the dancefloor.
Dutch House veteran Luuk Van Dijk ventures into Deep House realms with Trip Advisor (A Shit Man). This track, adorned with almost diva-esque vocals and an intriguing deep synth-line, unfolds over a tight four-to-the-floor House bassline. Impeccably designed for peak moments in House sets, Trip Advisor (A Shit Man) showcases Van Dijk’s finesse in creating a sophisticated yet energetically charged composition.
Marking his debut in the world of producers, Li:dl presents Butter Muffin, a genre-crossing exploration that effortlessly melds various influences. The track exudes a smoothness akin to butter as Lidl skillfully cuts samples and combines elements from Techhouse, House Music, and Electro-sounds. The result is a masterpiece that defies easy classification, as Lidl delivers an exhilarating blend of sonic elements, promising pure dancefloor madness.
Closing the compilation is WKD40 with Danny Pickles, a minimalistic groover that leaves an indelible impact. This track unfolds as a self-ironic basement jam, featuring quoting shots, police sirens, and movie lines. With a rave attitude and sweet little catchy chords, Danny Pickles creates an atmosphere of mischief and spontaneity. WKD40 crafts a minimalistic yet powerful composition, showcasing a penchant for subtle complexity that lingers in the listener’s mind.
The Punchline series, with its sixth edition, once again demonstrates the Ba Dum Tish collective’s adept curation, bringing together artists who navigate the diverse landscapes of electronic music. Ron Brown, Luuk Van Dijk, Li:dl, and WKD40 contribute distinctive tracks that collectively embody the essence of the series—captivating, bold, and primed for dancefloor destruction from start to finish. The compilation stands as a testament to the collective’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration within the electronic music realm.
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 