Hardwell's new single offers no answers, only an invitation to get lost in the search.
Since resurrecting his legendary career after a four-year hiatus, Hardwell has moved away from his inspirational anthems of yesteryear in favor of a darker sound, which has made him an architect of escapist, chilling hits. His latest release, “XTC,” is a dazzling expansion of that approach.
On this track, Hardwell descends into the bowels of techno with a relentless bassline and kick drums that pierce bare skin like ice. Meanwhile, the lyrics brim with existential angst, a sardonic “life is a game” countered by a desperate plea for escape: “I need some fire.” At a blistering 140 BPM, its frenetic rhythm reflects that internal struggle, pulsating with a restless energy.
“XTC” arrives over a year after its debut at Ultra Music Festival 2023, where Hardwell delivered a mesmerizing DJ set. The track is now officially available on the Dutch dance music legend’s influential label Revealed Recordings, which recently released its 1,000th release.
Check out our fascinating interview with Hardwell about the label's 14-year evolution here.
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