Ivory - Feelin’/Don’t Lose Control EP | Emotive euphoria, formed for the dancefloor
Ivory is a shapeshifter, of the musical sort.
From swaying between all important labels within the melodic dance music stratosphere, to weaving a large tangled web of different sounds, different textures - and with a handful of different inner musical personas, he has rightly become a producer at the top of his game, with his tracks broadcast left, right and centre by an endless list of DJs.
But recently, Ivory’s sound has undergone a revolution. He’s ventured out to new digs. Classic sounds of his have always stemmed towards lustrous landscapes, pouring out all the emotions (cite: ‘Dreamers’ as a prime example). Yet within the past two years, more experimentation has come along in his productions as he’s tampered with various vocal riffs and buoyed with a variety of garage and dubs, breakbeats and a touch of archetypal house elements. The result lies in a broadened musical catalogue for him. And for us? Well it’s made our dancefloor times get so much more exciting. And off the back of such experimentation comes this outcome: an almighty package of ‘Feelin’’ and ‘Don’t Lose Control’. Two tracks which have undeniably become some of the biggest-played numbers within Innervisions events over the past two years. Here, they come gifted to us in their extended club formations to send our hearts into prolonged flutters, all over again.
The EP is packaged in bright pink artwork - a confident nod to the iconic ‘80s Acid House smiling face graphic. Two tracks which, in parts, do partake elements of this genre, the artwork more strikingly seems to pay homage to the essence and unity which arose during this movement - where music brought people together, brought them joy and encased them in happiness. Graphics which underpinned this era and still reminds us of it to this day; this artwork is a reflection and reminder of how important music is for uniting us - and in this case, highlights how both tracks have done this, all the world over.
FEELIN’
A euphoric symphony which catches all the feels. Big. Bold. Magnificent. We already know the sheer power of ‘Feelin’’, having heard it play out a plenty across many sound systems, in many places. One would imagine hearing it in your personal vicinity would bear the same effect as you’d reminisce, but hearing it on your own, away from the dancefloor, strikes an even more powerful chord within.
What is a feeling for you? Is it happiness? Sadness? Is it abstract? Or does it feel tangible? A feeling for Ivory seems to equate to sheer power - strike up the goosebumps - dive deep into every inch of your soul.
‘Feelin’’ takes form in recognisable Ivory style - he phases in with his penchant for a rolling bassline which always gallops forwards. Bobbing up and down to contain all the energy and excitement, we say hello to gentle flourishes of thunderous strikes, and miscellaneous dice rolls. Microdoses of what is set to be the theme, a female vocal hook of ‘feeling’ wails in to build us up. Tap, tap, tap as the cowbell bops. All parts contained tight in a box, barging into one another - like particles trying to escape their four walls. Changing state, bringing in some retro dubs which fly in float around the atmosphere - intensity gained. This is the moment we know ALL too well… Like opening the floodgates of heaven, ‘don’t hold back the feeling’ rejoices - where all the pent-up energy, almost so frustrated in being so confined, finally breaks through. Where a short pause of silence allows, all the energy and chaos bursts from the seams; the compassion and emotion, no longer able to contain. Now is the moment all these memories in our own mind come flooding back once more. Sweet, sunshine memories.
High octane energy is paired with a fundamental three-chord riff; descending progression in a minor aspect to yield a greater contrast - the effect more devastating and the drama more powerful than anticipated. Across this harmonic-stridden field comes sprinkles of almighty touches we bore acquaintance with, which deliver pace to this almighty storm. ‘Feelin’’ is not shy of ensuring the attention needs to be contained, and not long after, it wriggles itself into breakdown territory: the chords holding the character, the beat keeping its heart alive. Building up suspense with some familiar elements, clips of garage whomps, chromatic glitches and a neat 4x4 drum pad, we hold tight everything whizzes, whirls and swirls, and as the raindrops almost evaporate into nothingness, water bursts upon the plains and leaves us drenched in joy. A final drop with impeccable execution; pent up energy, straight from the soul. This is happiness - at its modern Innervisions best.
DON’T LOSE CONTROL
Not one to diminish our now-elevated ecstasy, the package treats us to another recognisable track which has also been establishing itself as an emotive and raw big-room showstopper for extended time. ‘Don’t Lose Control’ presents itself as a contrasting addition - a more complex and intense companion; showcasing heftier soundscapes which Ivory has been experimenting with since practically ‘Lost’ on Secret Weapons 13, in 2021. Futuristic as it may be in its outset, ‘Don’t Lose Control’ can’t help but provoke a feeling of calling reference to Kraftwerk productions - whether conscious or not, the draws of augmented vocals placed upon a melody strike notable similarity, leading us to question - can we ever move forwards in the present without drawing desires from the past?
‘Don’t Lose Control’ is stimulated by a heavy-laden, marching 4x4 bassline, which structures itself into form with those lightening-speed claps shared with ‘Feelin’’, the soul of the EP is kept ignited, blazing deep within its core. But without even a minute to spare, air fizzles to add weight to the momentum. A train brushing through the midnight hours; rushing with no end game in site - the wheels chugging forwards and whipping against the metallic track clinks. Rising with unbearable pace, the air - as slick as oil - raises the atmosphere to balmy expectations, whooshing around the heat and snatching back on itself. Like a light leading our vulnerable, anxious hearts to safety, a twinkling chord burns brighter and brighter. A three-chord dewy melody glosses on top as our AI voice begins its programme. As it flitters between words, the chords circling round, “don’t lose control” swing out - a touch of irony, admittedly, as this is where the beat drops on the first break. Haunting - mesmorising - bewitching: the vocals take the driving seat and are adorned with electro dots and bronzed tassels which shimmer to another atmosphere. The melodic structure ripples and jives, adding composure to the AI vocals, but yet, yielded by the minor pulls and dramatic enclave, apocalyptic is plastered all over this moment in time. Futurism in site; a doomsday status.
‘Don’t Lose Control’ races to the end line, just like it started: sonic shades transcend upon time - they came, they saw and they glistened brighter than ever before.
An EP package, which on the outlook seems like chalk and cheese: this could be so far from the truth.Ivory’s choice of two tracks not only have been two of the biggest dancefloor tracks we’ve fallen in love with, but they’re a showcase of Ivory’s diverse musical natures. Side one - ‘Feelin’’: the dreamier, melodic personality birthed since the dawn of his musical catalogue. And, side two: the newer side, the matured personality which has evolved since 2021. This personality is a blueprint to the grittier sound of Ivory - none the less emotionally, noted, but with an essence of sheer darkness.
Ivory’s artistic seriousness lies in his chameleon-defying possibilities; his musical possibilities, infinite.