Dutch electronic powerhouse Showtek has unleashed “360 Blue,” a monumental return to their hardstyle origins after a 12-year detour through mainstream EDM. This full-length album, part of their ambitious “360” project, is a sonic time capsule that both honors and evolves the genre that first launched the brothers into the electronic music stratosphere.
“360 Blue” reads like a who’s who of hardstyle, featuring collaborations with scene titans Zany, DJ Isaac, Sub Zero Project, and Wildstylez. The inclusion of crossover star Steve Aoki adds an intriguing twist, hinting at Showtek’s ability to bridge musical worlds. But make no mistake – this is hardstyle in its purest form, filtered through the lens of Showtek’s years of diverse production experience.
“We built a legacy in this genre,” Showtek explains, “and have a huge amount of fans worldwide that have been listening to us since day one. After taking a 12-year break from the genre, we have reignited it with new gained experience, a fresh approach, more mature but still Showtek. Melodic, anthemic, and with a message.”
Standout tracks like “Dear Hardstyle” featuring Earl St. Clair showcase this evolution, blending emotive spoken word with relentless beats. The album closer “Heaven or Hell” serves as a fitting finale, distilling the essence of modern hardstyle into an intense, memorable journey.
“360 Blue” is the second chapter in Showtek’s three-part “360” saga, following last year’s house and big room-focused “360 Yellow.” This ambitious project aims to demonstrate the duo’s genre-spanning versatility, with each album embodying a different primary color and musical style.
As Showtek gears up to celebrate this release with shows in Australia, Los Angeles, and a much-anticipated appearance at Defqon.1, “360 Blue” stands as a testament to their enduring impact on hardstyle. It’s a thrilling reminder of where they came from and a bold statement about where hardstyle can go in the hands of true innovators.
Categories: Music
