On September 25th, British boyband dearALICE released their new EP dancefloorKILLA. The band has really grown to develop their own sound with this EP. It consists of seven tracks, including one collab with group SWEET REVENGE and Enola Bedard. The record, in terms of general vibe, fits its title: with a strong mix of pop and R&B, it’s full of dance tunes and songs you’d hear at a party or club.
The first track is also the title track: ‘dancefloorKILLA’. This song starts off with strong synth sounds and the repetition of the word ‘killa’ in a stutter-type fashion. This song sets the stage for the overall dance theme of the EP, with several mentions of classic dance moves from the zeroes, such as ‘Bringing back the Dougie, but this time it’s with a wave’ and ‘Might go back to UK, hit the nae-nae’. The rap verses by members Blaise Noon and Dexter Greenwood blend seamlessly into a smooth chorus: ‘Everybody, drop it low, you know I’m looking for a dancefloorKILLA’. This catchy song truly makes you want to be the dancefloorKILLA yourself.
Next up is ‘Body On – Boys’ Version’, the non-collab version of the first single of the EP. This song has a strong beat and a melody that will not get out of your head. The lyrics clearly paint the club scene: ‘I just want a beat I can put my body on, DJ made my heart go da-da-dum’, you are instantly transported to a night out dancing with your friends.
Third on the EP is ‘Home With You’, a song that is more fitting for the end of the night out. The song starts off with light vocals and tones, but that doesn’t last long as the first verse brings back the beat. The alternating between strong, low vocals, rap verses, and higher notes keeps you hooked on the song.
‘Animal’ contrasts with the previous song, with its low vocals and strong bass. Nonetheless, like every song, there is space for Reese Carter and Olly Quinn’s higher notes, creating a build up before the chorus: ‘It’s so hard to resist, how can I just let you go?’ This song is very high energy and is bound to get you moving.
‘Close’ is the first song on the EP where dearALICE slows down a bit. This song is mainly focused on their voices without an overpowering beat or melody in the background; the background consists mostly of staccato synth tones. These short tones and clicks keep you wondering what is coming next during the song, making you ‘lean in’ – which fits perfectly with the song. This, combined with lyrics such as ‘So do you wanna get close? Because I wanna get close’, give the listener a sense of intimacy and closeness to the singers.
Next up is ‘Drool’, which brings the energy right back up, but not without a hint of romance and a lot of yearning. ‘Lemme just paint a scene: sunset, dinner, candlelight’, the song starts. The funky bassline and the rhythmic beat quickly build up to the chorus, during which it is impossible to not dance. This song will definitely give you a confidence boost, as you hear the band sing ‘So smooth, somethin’ bout you, making me thirsty, driving me wild, making me drool’.
Last but not least is ‘Body On’ featuring SWEET REVENGE and Enola Bedard. The blend of the boyband’s voices with the higher female voices in the verses allows for a nice contrast that we haven’t heard from dearALICE before. This collab paves the way for even more projects with other artists in the future.
With dancefloorKILLA, dearALICE has succeeded in their mission: releasing a record with songs that are bound to make you want to party. A big contrast with their previous EP, bitterSWEETsummer, but definitely a great addition to their discography. And just in time, as the band will be going on a UK tour this October! Tickets can be found through their Y2K-style website and make sure to watch the videogame themed music video for ‘Animal’ here.
Written by: Nèri Cliteur
Edited by: Mandy Huibregtsen
