It's been nine years since Skrillex (real name: Sonny Moore) dropped an album. His 2014 debut album, Recess, featured a blend of styles and collaborations that aimed to prove his musical knowledge and depth. The message was received well in the years following the release, and Skrillex has established himself as a versatile and sought-after producer, working with the likes of Beyoncé and the Weeknd.

Star-Studded Collaborations

Skrillex's latest album, Quest for Fire, is packed with an impressive roster of featured artists from various music scenes. Collaborations with rappers like Swae Lee and Missy Elliott, pop singer Aluna Francis of AlunaGeorge, and alternative rockers like Siiickbrain and Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz showcase his ability to blend different styles. The presence of independent electronic artists like Four Tet and grime MC/producer Flowdan further cements Skrillex's credibility in the underground scene.

A Showcase of Pop Production, Not Dancefloor Prowess

Quest for Fire takes a different direction, with Skrillex focusing on his pop production skills rather than his signature dancefloor sound. The 15-track album explores a wide range of musical forms, such as house, dubstep, two-step garage, and Chicago juke. His restlessness as a composer is apparent in the constantly changing song structures, with atmospheric sections giving way to bursts of thumping beats and synth stabs.

Embracing the Experimental Side

Skrillex's new album sees him experimenting with a variety of production techniques, including heavy use of Auto-Tune, vocal manipulation, and looping. Tracks like the Flowdan collaboration Rumble build a captivating air of menace, while the big-room pop-house track Leave Me Like This showcases his expertise in that genre. However, his constant need to push the envelope can sometimes lead to an overstimulated sound.

The Pitfalls of Too Much Pop Shine

The attempt to give everything a pop shine has a mixed success rate on Quest for Fire. Tracks like Good Space and A Street I Know excel with catchy drum'n'bass influenced tunes and crisp melodies, while others, like Ratatata, struggle to find the right balance. Collaborations with Four Tet on Butterflies and the unsuccessful commercialization of Chicago juke on Too Bizarre reveal that not all experimentation leads to success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Skrillex's Quest for Fire demonstrates his growth and versatility as an artist over the past decade. The album boasts an impressive list of collaborations and delves into a variety of musical styles, showcasing his adaptability and keen sense of production. However, the constant pursuit of pop production can sometimes detract from the overall listening experience. It remains to be seen how Skrillex will continue to evolve and refine his sound in future releases, but Quest for Fire serves as a testament to his progression as a producer and artist.