7.1 2 .1 8
C U LT U R E W E E K LY N I G H T S
09
“STARS”
MARSHMELLO XS: July 14, 10:30 p.m., $40-$60. Encore Beach Club: July 15, 11 a.m., $30-$50. Encore, 702-770-7300.
(1:48) There are plenty of thick bass drops in this twinkly opening track, and this mid-song smooth-out begins the build for a dramatic, buzzing finale.
“TOGETHER” (1:20)
Dueling synth lines charge through this track like friendly electronic fireflies skittering around your ears. This early explosion offers waves of bass buzz and handclaps before fluttering into high-pitch notes, sure to be a memorable cryo-blast moment when “Together” gets played at Encore Beach Club.
“ROOFTOPS”
(2:15) The first Joytime II track with vocals prompted Pitchfork to write that Marshmello’s stylistic evolution is heading into emo territory. The stabby synths and alligator-croak bass of this breakdown section stand out.
“CHECK THIS OUT”
(1:21) ’Mello is known for slipping disparate EDM elements into the same song, and after a pretty bright and beat-heavy opening, “Check This Out” takes a quick surprise voyage into the land of trap with a threatening, distorted bassline and rapidfire hi-hats.
“TELL ME” (:51)
This one begins with a tick-tock melody that sounds like the ringtone you refuse to use as your wake-up alarm, and Marshmello somehow turns it into a story that eventually comes off charming and fun. He also brings in a synth that sounds like an ’80s electric guitar right before the minute-mark to heighten the drama.
“POWER”
(1:07) After the relative dark tones of “Paralyzed,” the album picks up the mood with this straightforward track. There’s a classic countdown and an intricate, multi-layered keyboard breakdown a quarter of the way into “Power” that changes up the tempo and carves a path for the rest of the song.
“IMAGINE”
(2:53) The sugary closer on Joytime II—a polyrhythmic, videogame-soundtrack dip into tropical house—might be the album’s best overall track. The full-charge groove approaches its final destination at this point, when some conga drums make a guest appearance.
(Amy Harris/AP)