Major Lazer
Lazers Never Die
Downtown Records
DJ duo Diplo and Switch — the sentient masterminds behind Major Lazer — have done it again, this time on their 2010 EP Lazers Never Die. This five-song compilation features a few remixed favorites as well some brand new tunes to groove to from the guys who brought you Lazerproof and Guns Don’t Kill…Lazors Do.
This schizophrenic mash-up of musical elements makes no apologies and is a welcomed up-tempo, frenzied romp from start to finish. Major Lazer manipulated complex beats and subtly shifted from electronic to reggae fusion to hip-hop in a single song but never in a way that sounds muddled or overindulgent.
This EP is the perfect end of Summer mix to groove to with it’s reggae-tinged island influences and rhythmic pulsating drum beats. From the first track to the last there’s something for everyone no matter what the musical preference may be.
The first track features the vocal stylings of none other than M.I.A., the controversial powerhouse who introduced Diplo and Switch to the mass audience shows us that she hasn’t forgotten her roots on the upbeat anthem, “Sound of Siren,” which Minnesota-born Busy Signal also lent his Caribbean-flavored vocals on. Even Radiohead crooner Thom Yorke lends his brooding mannerisms to the 2009 single “Jump Up,” adding a haunting ethereal vibe to it.
Lazers Never Die is masterfully done, produced and executed. What I found so admirable about this EP is that just as the listener might grow weary, another creative element is layered on, adding new depth to the music and slowly morphing it into a melting pot of sounds and fusion. Whether it’s the bouncy, free-flowing “Good Enuff,” or the electronically influenced “Bruk Out,” Major Lazer doesn’t disappoint and with tunes this good, it will be an eager wait to see what this team will shake out next.
Release Date June 20, 2010
Track Listing
1. Sound of the Siren
2. Good Enuff (Cash Flow Dub)
3. Bruk Out (‘Buraka Som Sistema Mix)
4. Can’t Stop Now (K.L.A.M. Remix)
5. Jump Up (Thom York Remix)
