CRYME is an up-and-coming DJ, producer, and the key figure behind the queer and FLINTA*-focused label SEVEN (https://www.seven.berlin). Situated in Berlin, Germany, CRYME’s origins are strongly rooted in the city’s underground culture, where the pulsating energy of techno mixes with the uplifting atmosphere of house music to forge an unforgettable dance floor experience. Since beginning his production journey in 2022, CRYME has put out five Eps and participated in the notable 10th anniversary compilation of Pornceptual.
His creations embody a lively blend of rhythm and vigor, with colleagues calling him a “rhythm expert” whose CDJ abilities lend a nearly instrumental feel to his performances. In 2024, he introduced SEVEN, a label aimed at enhancing uplifting, progressive house music while honoring queer and FLINTA* artists. CRYME’s shows have brought him worldwide, performing in famous Berlin venues like RSO.Berlin and Tresor, as well as on international stages throughout Europe, Asia, and the US, where he has opened for legends like Honey Dijon and Palms Trax.
“HOLD ON” signifies a thrilling milestone in CRYME’s creative path, acting as the first release on his recently established label, SEVEN. This five-track digital EP captures the core of the label’s purpose: to merge house and techno genres while highlighting positivity, love, and inclusivity. Upon its launch on November 22nd, 2024, “HOLD ON” quickly establishes an elevated standard for future releases from SEVEN. In line with SEVEN’s inclusive philosophy, the EP showcases four remarkable remixes by a diverse group of artists. Cinthie and Lydia Eisenblätter are two house producers who add their distinctive touch to the track. The techno remixes originate from Volpe and Obscure Shape, both adding a tougher vibe to the EP.
HOLD ON EP TRACK LIST:
HOLD ON:
The opening piece, “HOLD ON,” makes a bold declaration of purpose, pulling listeners into its captivating soundscape right from the initial beat. Supported by a thumping bassline, the track cultivates a tangible sense of energy and tension, layering rich percussive rhythms that feel both natural and mechanical. The entrancing vocal emerges like a chant, skillfully balancing the track’s heavy low-end with a lighter, more introspective vibe. This vocal layer, expertly chopped and filtered, seamlessly integrates with the relentless drum groove and the glistening synth pads that rise and fall throughout the mix. The outcome is a sonic exchange where every component plays an equal role, crafting a mesmerizing and cohesive atmosphere.
The production of “HOLD ON” exemplifies a mastery of dynamics, smoothly shifting between moments of subtle minimalism and soaring power. The interaction between the vocal melody and the intricate instrumentation creates a distinctive duality: it is both grounding and uplifting, meant to resonate on the dance floor as well as in personal contemplation. The vocal line weaves through varying dynamics, alternating between reflective whispers and high-energy surges, ensuring the track maintains its momentum and emotional heft. The cascading layers of sound, accented by the shimmering synth pads, introduce depth and texture, crafting a meditative yet pulsating dance anthem.
“HOLD ON” is more than just another song; it is an immersive journey that remains in the listener’s consciousness long after the last beat fades away. The complex layering of its components invokes feelings of reflection and strength, encapsulating the essence of the EP’s broader vision. It establishes a daring tone for the experience that lies ahead, encouraging listeners to immerse themselves in its intricate textures and vibrant energy. With its capacity to harmonize meditative thoughtfulness and energizing club appeal, “HOLD ON” becomes not merely a highlight track but a significant expression of CRYME’s artistry and the principles of his new label, SEVEN.
HOLD ON – Obscure Shape Remix:
The “Obscure Shape Remix” of “HOLD ON” ventures into new territory, swapping its uplifting vibe for a darker, more intense soundscape. Right from the beginning, the remix offers a booming drum experience that demands attention, pushing the listener into an unyielding rhythm. The meditative elements of the original are replaced by a raw, industrial energy that redefines the track as a high-impact techno staple. The haunting vocal snippets from the original stay intact, yet they are twisted and manipulated, reverberating like spectral messages over the thumping beat. The connection between these ghostly vocals and the metallic beats establishes the mood for a remix aimed at expansive, energized dance floors.
Obscure Shape’s reinterpretation heightens the intensity of “HOLD ON” by weaving in sharp hi-hats, warped kicks, and driving basslines into a complex sound tapestry. The mesmerizing vocal loops serve as a grounding force amid the turmoil, maintaining the listener’s connection to the rhythm’s core. As the percussion escalates, the remix cultivates an environment of orchestrated disarray, completely enveloping the listener in its ceaseless energy. The interplay between spectral vocals and powerful instrumentation is entrancing, pulling the audience further into the vortex with each passing bar. This equilibrium between raw force and intricate nuance showcases Obscure Shape’s expertise in the techno realm, transforming the remix into a visceral yet thoughtful experience.
As the remix progresses, its dynamic development and thoughtful sound design morph “HOLD ON” into a high-energy odyssey. The primal energy coursing through every layer of the track inspires both urgency and release, making it impossible to remain still. Obscure Shape’s remix encapsulates the essence of techno at its most raw while honoring the artistic nature of the original. It’s a reimagining that breaks new ground, leaving listeners both thrilled and longing to return to the expertly crafted sonic tempest.
HOLD ON – Lydia Eisenblätter Remix:
The Lydia Eisenblätter Remix of “HOLD ON” reinvigorates the original with a nostalgic reference to rave culture, combining sharp breakbeats and gritty stabs with glimmering pads to construct an electrifying, warehouse-inspired sound. From the initial beat, the remix creates a lively energy that instantly plunges the listener into the center of an energetic dance floor. The vocal remains a key component, though it is fragmented and ghostly, appearing and fading like an ethereal echo amid the driving beats. This dynamic between raw textures and light melodic elements generates a captivating tension, drawing the listener into the track’s pulsing foundation.
Eisenblätter’s employment of thudding subs stabilizes the remix, offering a consistent and grounding bassline beneath the chaotic, high-energy layers of sound. The eerie quality of the vocal acts almost as a beacon, inviting the listener further into the groove as shimmering pads and gritty stabs introduce emotional complexity. The track skillfully juxtaposes raw intensity with passages of reflection, weaving an emotional story that feels both wild and uplifting. The ebb and flow throughout the remix maintains the listener’s engagement, marking it as a highlight of the EP.
By reshaping “HOLD ON” into a rave anthem, Lydia Eisenblätter captures the spirit of underground dance culture while sustaining the hypnotic essence of the original. Her remix pays tribute to the energy and spirit of classic rave music while infusing it with a modern, progressive twist. It is a spirited yet soulful excursion that seamlessly aligns with the EP’s overarching goal of blending the uplifting aspects of house with the driving force of techno. This remix not only showcases Eisenblätter’s artistic vision but also emphasizes the inclusive and boundary-pushing philosophy of CRYME’s SEVEN label.
“HOLD ON” is a bold first statement for CRYME’s SEVEN label, offering a perfect blend of house and techno while showcasing a diverse range of talents. The EP successfully aligns with the label’s commitment to creating a space that celebrates queer and FLINTA* voices, all while delivering music that fills the dance floor with positivity and energy. The balance between the original and its remixes feels thoughtful and intentional, ensuring that each version speaks to different aspects of the dance music spectrum while maintaining a unified, uplifting spirit.
For those who are already familiar with CRYME’s work, “HOLD ON” will undoubtedly affirm his position as an innovative producer and curator of dance music that prioritizes joy and inclusivity. For those just discovering him, this EP is a perfect introduction to his sound; a mix of heart, rhythm, and energy that promises to leave listeners eagerly anticipating what SEVEN will offer next.
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Listen to “HOLD ON” by CRYME and many more in our Electonic Dance music playlist.
