#Song You Need: Machinedrum and Holly’s wispy dream

The FADER’s “Songs You Need” are the tracks we can’t stop playing. Check back every day for new music and follow along on our Spotify playlist.

Machinedrum and Holly may be known best in the electronic scene for their hard-hitting beats, but over the last several years, they’ve introduced longtime fans to a different, softer side. With Machinedrum releasing his 2020 A View of U and Holly sharing his 2022 and 2023 Minha Vida album series, they’re continuing to solidify their respective catalogs as expansive bodies of work. Now, the two producers joined forces for a collaborative three-track EP, Novaform/Blueshift.

“Blueshift,” the project’s second song, is how daydreams sound. Starting with flute-like synths that float on top of distant vocals, Machinedrum and Holly guide listeners to the galvanizing percussion. For a moment, their aggressive elements come into play as they bring in pounding basslines for a few beats before moving back to more airy melodies. Gentle piano chords mark the song’s final moments, giving us a chance to wake up before the next track hits.

Novaform/Blueshift is out now, but Machinedrum and Holly will be releasing a second joint EP, River of Heaven, which is set to arrive on August 31. Listen to “Blueshift” below.