In 2014, John Dahlback and Benny Benassi have little left to prove. While Dahlback has been a staple within the electro house music scene for years through his productions and record label, Benassi has reigned as an international superstar whose popularity has transcended electronic music and bled over into the mainstream. Thus, both artists could easily throw in the production towel and perform at clubs across the globe for the rest of their days, but it appears their intentions lie elsewhere on their Ultra Records backed single, “Blink Again.”
For those not aware of Dahlback’s past, the track that broke him into the electro house scene’s consciousness was “Blink,” and almost a decade later, he has decided to rework the cut with the assistance of Benassi. Not only is the brand new single worthy of checking out for fans unfamiliar with its inspiration, but long-time listeners of both artists will find plenty to enjoy as well. Kicking off with an airy introduction, chopped up yet absolutely gorgeous female vocals enter the sonic field with a perfect compliment of keys building up under them. Progressing in expected house fashion, the sounds swell from calming and atmospheric into a massive synth line that climbs like a roller coaster before dropping into an upbeat breakdown with just the right amount of grit beneath all the beauty to keep dance floors going throughout the day and night. Fading out as subtle string-work enters the background, the chopped up vocals re-enter the cut, this time with tattering snares associated with trap music giving the second buildup a fresh vibe before once again climaxing back into pulsating house goodness.
Dahlback and Benassi may be veterans whose usual styles are not those of what is currently being dropped at major festivals, but they still know how to create tracks that stay true to their previous works while injecting just enough modern intricacies to ensure they will become hits for electronic music fans as a whole, both old and new. With that being said, “Blink Again” is an absolute success as it will undoubtedly become yet another boundary breaker and make its way into a plethora of ears from continent to continent this summer.
SCORE: 9/10
Purchase “Blink Again” on Beatport
Review written by: Michael Giegerich (Follow him on Twitter)
