There were hints of ninja-related influences in the EP before it, particularly in its artwork; this time around, the theme runs rampant throughout, visible not only through the track names and cover art (which is similar to that of its predecessor), but also in some of his choices of sounds/samples between the unrelenting bass. His shadow clan includes the likes of powerhouses jPhelpz, Ganja White Night and Excision, to aid him in his conquest of darkness.

‘Pressure Plates’ is the perfect storybook opener for the EP – a bright start which ushers in something grand with its triumphant synths, along with elegant vocals to uplift the spirit, to help prep for a new adventure. Nearing the end, it transforms into a wobbly beast of a tune, with the synthwork becoming much more mechanic, as well as a switch in the vocals to help put on the pressure.

His first track with Virtual Riot, ‘Warriors of the Night’, follows closely behind in intensity, and has resemblances to Knife Party‘s ‘Centipede‘- an ominous opener, with a dude (possibly some renowned expert) giving some knowledgeable insight to the subject at hand – proof as to how the silent-yet-deadly ninja is superior to the loud and boisterous samurai (like how ‘Centipede’ boasts the giant tropical centipede’s superiority over the tarantula). The riddim onslaught continues for the next few tracks, with Ganja White Night and jPhelpz joining in the foray.

Datsik’s second and only other solo track, ‘You’ve Changed’, could very well be a personal homage to Datsik himself, since it stands out from the crowd by flashing hints of his older style. It could be seen as a sort of treat to those who have come this far with him along his journey, experiencing his personal growth to the point that he’s at now.

His and Virtual Riot’s second collab on the album, ‘Freakuency’, really lets loose – it has its own version of a freakout, complete with a well-timed curse for added rage, before unleashing a three-way final blast with ‘Find Me’ – which features Kelowna basslord, Excision, along with rising sensation Dion Timmer, forming a bass trio which incorporates each artists’ style, to conclude in the heaviest way imaginable.

To coincide with the release of Master of Shadows, Datsik’s also going on a huge ninja expedition all across North America! He will be accompanied by fellow audio assassins Space Jesus, Riot Ten, Wooli, Carbin, and Swage, as well as other special guests throughout their journeys. The crew will have within their arsenal a PK Sound setup, and Shogun-inspired visuals (courtesy of Wolves Live Visuals) to demonstrate their definition of silence.

You can grab tickets for the tour here – while you’re at it, make sure your ninjutsu skills are at peak performance before the Master of Shadows infiltrates your village!

The post Datsik’s Latest EP Proves He’s the <em>Master of Shadows</em> appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Please note: this is a small list derived from a MUCH bigger one (the actual lineup); your “mileage” may vary.
Cover photo courtesy of Will Selviz.

REZZ

Stage: Pagoda
Her debut at last year’s event turned so many heads, and had people raving about it months after the festival. It’s a dark, mysterous and quirky set, and features some stellar IDs which have now been revealed since, including her widely-sought ‘Relax‘, off her upcoming album Mass Manipulation. Speaking of, the album releases days before this year’s event, and you can guarantee that some, if not most of its tracks will be present in her set.

The Pagoda itself (pictured above) is undergoing a makeover this year as well, which amplifies the likelihood that this set is going to be etched into the history books, as well as the hearts of her devoted cult following.
Check out in 2017: Truth (b2b w/ Stylust Beats)

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Sub Focus

Stage: Village
As the first artist featured in the Shambhala Live video series, London’s drum & bass wizard tore down the Village, going across all fronts of the genre – from the smoothest of liquid d&b, to the heaviest and dirtiest neurofunk, you’ll be rinsing out for an hour and a half straight to this killer set, which you can experience/re-live both audibly and visually.

Special mention goes to the 32-minute mark, where his classic ‘Out The Blue‘ is accompanied by an intense and magical spectacle, thanks to the sheer radiance of the gargantuan disco ball hanging overhead.
Check out in 2017: LTJ Bukem, Calyx & Teebee, Pendulum

K+Lab

Stage: Fractal Forest | Free download
The Vancouver-based DJ always knows how to keep his music true to the ethos of the funkiest place on Earth,  and returns to Shambhala to lay down some of the grooviest, sexiest funk this world has come to experience. From some booty-bumpin’ disco, to the wubbiest of glitch hop, you’ll feel like you’re on the set of Soul Train, breakin’ it down in ways you didn’t think imaginable.

Nearly every song on the tracklist is an original or remix done by/with K+Lab, and he knows exactly how/where each puzzle piece fits together, to create a musical mosaic that will leave you wanting more.
Check out in 2017: Stickybuds, Father Funk, WBBL

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Sabo

Stage: Living Room
This is most of Sabo’s 5.5-hour marathon sunrise set, which said goodbye to the final night of the festival into Monday morning. After an exuberant weekend, it was the perfect cooldown before the masses started making their way back to civilization.

He laid down some globally inspired house and tech vibes for a set which was tranquil and flowed smoothly, just like the nearby Salmo river. If you’re looking for something to set the mood for a daytime pool party, or a late-night dip, this will easily help you get comfortable, no matter which body of water you choose to swim in. Click the ‘Download’ icon in the top-right corner of the mix for an instant copy!
Check out in 2017:The Orb

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CloZee

Stage: The Grove | Free download
Toulouse-based Chloé Herry, best known as CloZee, rocked the Grove on the evening of her Shambs debut. Her mix featured an eclectic mix of a variety of sounds – from some low-to-the-ground frequencies, to world-influenced melodies, as well as a good number of throwbacks and hip-hop remixes to get the crowd singing along and feeling nostalgic.

Her own natural flair of magic, combined with that of the Grove’s, brought about a heavy yet euphoric set, which is creating a lot of buzz for her return this year.
Check out in 2017: Tor, OCTABÄN

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Space Jesus

Stage: Amphitheatre
If there’s anyone who can make weird feel like the norm, it’s Brooklyn’s Jasha Tull, a.k.a. Space Jesus. Along with Sub Focus and Getter, he was treated to a Shambhala Live video of his own, which shows a glimpse of what went down the eve before the festival was in full swing.

He was also a very soothing voice amidst the wild, weird madness – at intermittent points, he would hop on the mic, and spread loving vibes into the crowd. Whether from homesickness, being a first-timer, or whatever other reason, he also assured anybody freaking out/uneasy/paranoid about anything that everything will be alright, and to just take in the moment and let go.

His set includes the track ‘M. Night Shambhala‘, which he created to express his love for the festival since his 2015 debut!
Check out in 2017: Liquid Stranger (b2b w/ Space Jesus), Yheti, Sumthin Sumthin

Excision

Stage: Village | Free download
This is a rather monumental time for the Canadian bass maestro, given that he’s preparing a special 10th anniversary set for this year’s shindig, along with the launch of his own music festival later this year. At nearly 3 million views since its release, this set brings the full force of the Village to your speakers, so take caution in where you choose to unleash this.

And to those going to both festivals this year, I hope you realize that you’re THE envy of the town.
Check out in 2017: Datsik, Ganja White Night

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To those attending, the countdown is almost over – see you on the farm soon. Happy Shambhala!

The post Shambhala Prep: the “All-Star” Sets of 2016 appeared first on FUXWITHIT.