Though the year has come and gone without the release of AraabMuzik’s full-length album Dream World, the EDM whiz was sure to leave fans with some new material: two EPs, titled Goon Loops and King.
Both projects are consistent with the past work of the MPC maestro, with Goon Loops leaning more in a trap/hip-hop direction and King following a decidedly more straightforward EDM route. The sounds of the former have the signature haunting yet calming effect that much of Araab’s hip-hop productions tend to take on; “Black Gloves,” for example, starts with a slow build of tinkling keys that are eventually accompanied by various drum kicks and soulful cries. “UpRoar” utilizes a looped flute sample that has a distinct medieval feel and evokes the sound of an early 00s Nas album. The ominous synths and muted shouting of closing track “Outlaws” seem to forebode an impending war.
https://soundcloud.com/araabmuzik/sets/king-ep
King, meanwhile, is definitely primed for the festival circuit, with wild skittering beats and skyrocketing drops on “Game of Drones” and the title track. The second half of the EP is more mainstream-friendly in that we can see any number of rappers and/or pop singers remixing the songs into radio hits. “Alone in the Dark” has contagious, pulsating airhorns, while “Penthouse” boasts sunshiny synths that are given room to stretch out without much distraction.
Overall, the two sets showcase AraabMuzik’s continued dedication to his craft on both sides of the EDM wheelhouse. While the hip-hop-leaning Goon Loops was self-released and reportedly only available for a limited time, King was an official release, sponsored by Akai & Muzik Headphones.
Dream World is expected to drop early next year under a new management company.