Tropical house has been forming its own niche in the dance music community this year, adding yet another subgenre to the already crowded and unquestionably murky list under the giant ‘EDM’ moniker. I’m generally in favor of ditching the pretentious confines of subgenres and just calling good music “good music.” However, unlike many others, tropical house is easy to distinguish with its breezy instrumentals (think synthesized flutes and steel drums) and 100 bpm-range backbeats, often accompanied by indie-style vocals. Basically, if it makes you feel like sipping a cocktail in the sand, it’s probably tropical house.
Kygo has exploded onto the scene with a slew of feel-good remixes, among them versions of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” and The Weeknd’s “Often.” These early releases had fellow dance music producers and fans alike ablaze with hype for the young Norwegian. He sold out his US tour this summer and fall, with scalpers asking $100 for tickets to attend his small-club sets–more than three times the amount I just paid to see legends Deep Dish play at the mammoth Echostage in Washington DC.
Needless to say, there was no pressure surrounding his latest release, “Firestone,” featuring vocals by Conrad. The track is decidedly chill even for tropical house; Conrad’s voice paired with superbly sexy lyrics make it perfect for anything from canoodling with your significant other to lazing around with your boys (or girls) on a Sunday afternoon. That being said, I’d like to see Kygo put a little more fire–pun intended–into his next original track, proving that he is capable of producing diversity as well.

“Our hearts alight, firestorms
When they strike, we feel the love
Sparks afly, the ignitables
And when they strike, we light up the world”

Download “Firestone” on iTunes here.

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