When a label is crafted with intention and purpose, it sets the stage for music that surpasses expectations, and that’s exactly what CRYME has achieved with the launch of his SEVEN imprint. The “Hold On” EP serves as an introduction to this new label and a testament to its ethos—where happy, uplifting beats fuel the dancefloor and where queer and FLINTA* voices are celebrated within the techno and house soundscape. CRYME doesn’t just make music; he crafts experiences, inviting us into a world of sound that is immersive, vibrant, and deeply emotional.
Starting with, the original mix sets the tone with an intoxicating blend of emotion and club-ready energy. A weighty low-end anchors the track, while a textured rhythm section drives its hypnotic momentum. The layered vocal lines—part soulful plea, part ghostly echo—infuse the track with a rare emotional resonance in such groove-centric productions. The instrumentation, built on saturated drum patterns and resonant synth stabs, strikes a delicate balance between minimalism and intensity, creating an atmosphere that pulls listeners into its orbit.
The “Cinthie Remix” infuses the track with her signature soulful house aesthetic, turning ‘Hold On’ into a bright, airy, and irresistibly groovy reimagination. Choppy synth stabs add a playful dynamic, while shimmering strings glide over a bouncy bassline, giving the remix an almost celebratory quality. The airy production complements the ethereal aspects of the original vocals, transforming their haunting quality into something joyous and uplifting. This remix is a masterclass in house music’s ability to recontextualize and elevate.
Moving on, the “Obscure Shape Remix” dives into techno territory and strips the track down to its raw, kinetic essence. A pounding drum workout serves as the backbone, while dubbed-out fragments of the original’s keys and vocals swirl in the periphery, lending a haunting, atmospheric quality. This remix is relentless yet refined, with meticulously crafted percussive elements that create a sense of perpetual forward motion. Obscure Shape’s interpretation is the EP’s darkest and most immersive offering, a shadowy counterpoint to the warmth of Cinthie’s remix.
Lydia Eisenblätter’s take on ‘Hold On’ is a love letter to rave culture, bringing gritty breaks and pulsating subs to the forefront. Crisp, driving percussion propels the track, while rave stabs cut through the mix like flashes of neon in a fog-filled warehouse. The vocals are warped and reimagined, lending a nostalgic yet fresh twist that bridges the past and present. Eisenblätter’s remix is brimming with raw energy, a heady combination of precision and chaos that’s impossible to resist.
“VOLPE” closes the EP with an ethereal dub techno journey, veering into introspective territory. Spiraling dub echoes and heavily shuffled percussion create a dreamlike soundscape, while the bouncy bass groove ensures the track remains firmly rooted in the club. VOLPE’s meticulous use of space and reverb allows the vocals to shimmer and recede, their ghostly presence haunting the track without overpowering its meditative energy. This remix is the EP’s most introspective and layered offering, a perfect conclusion to a journey of contrasts.
Overall, CRYME’s ‘Hold On’ EP is a manifesto for SEVEN’s ethos—joyful, diverse, and forward-thinking. The original mix is a testament to Cryme’s ability to craft emotive, dancefloor-ready music, while the remixes highlight the boundless potential of collaboration and reinterpretation. From Cinthie’s euphoric grooves to Obscure Shape’s relentless techno drive, Lydia Eisenblätter’s rave nostalgia, and VOLPE’s introspective dub odyssey, this EP is a masterclass in sonic storytelling. For fans of electronic music at its most dynamic and inclusive, CRYME’s ‘Hold On’ is an unmissable statement piece that sets the tone for SEVEN’s bright future.
Listen to the “Hold On” EP on Spotify or SoundCloud
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