Saeed Younan – Annihilate EP [Intec]

Saeed Younan is one of America’s top DJs, who for four years running was voted one of the worlds top 100 DJs by DJ Times, which is America’s leading print publication for electronic music. Based in Washington DC, Saeed is a popular headliner who has played everywhere from Ibiza to Tokyo, and is famed for his high energy style that fuses tribal groves with techy synth work and infectious vocal hooks.

Not only a well-travelled and successful DJ, Saeed is also an accomplished producer, who along with releases on his own label Younan Music, has featured on imprints such as Great Stuff Recordings, Spinnin’ Records, Suara and Toolroom. Having made his first appearance on Carl Cox’s much famed Intec imprint in 2015, its now time for the much anticipated follow up.

“Annihilate” starts with rumbling tom drums that create the bassline and lay the foundation for the tracks rolling groove. Relentless hi-hats provide a forward momentum that adds to the menacing tension created by the vocal sample, from where track gets its title. A fusion of moods, the euphoric lead sound provides uplifting warmth, which contrasts with the overall dark and driving atmosphere.

“Pimp Slap” is percussion lead with was a primal groove typical of Saeeds much loved trademark sound. Synths are used to build suspense and the dramatic vocal stabs become hypnotic as the track progresses. Simple yet effective the main feature is a series of dancefloor focused drops where things strip back only to slam back in with increased impact and an eruption of energy.