Before music sensation GRiZ takes a break from performing, he releases a collection of brand new tunes in an EP titled Ouroboros.
It’s sometimes hard to describe what GRiZ‘s music brings to the world. With tunes that capture the feeling of sunlight on your skin to face-melting bass, the Colorado producer’s brand of electro funk has made an indelible impact on the electronic music community.
With over a whopping million monthly listeners on Spotify, dozens of albums in his discography spanning all the way from 2011, and headlining massive stages at EDC Las Vegas, Electric Forest, and Bonnaroo, there’s no question that GRiZ has become one of the most noteworthy musicians of our time. He also has made incredible moves with his success, such holding charity events every year, uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community, and hosting his own curated major camping festival this year, Ursa Major. With little more than a saxophone and DJ decks, GRiZ has dominated a subgenre and gifted it to listeners across the globe, creating his own community of “GRiZ Family.”
Despite having a whirlwind year in 2023 of nonstop touring and releasing music, GRiZ shocked the world a few months ago by announcing he would take an indefinite hiatus from musical for personal reasons. He announced his last show for the foreseeable future at the Mission Ballroom in Denver on October 5th, playing classics as well as brand-new, unreleased tunes. Amidst his upcoming hiatus, GRiZ has not stopped releasing music — including ID Bible (1), a collection of free songs and mixes for the public to enjoy. Now, the producer has released his final album for this era, Ouroboros.
The EP is a culmination of all the vibes GRiZ has expressed in his tunes in different eras over the years. It spans hip-hop to electro funk to his take on modern dubstep. This body of work is best heard from beginning to end as each track flows effortlessly into the next with no stops. Ouroboros begins with a bittersweet yet heartfelt love letter to the listeners, called “T A K E C A R E.” It seamlessly blends into the groovy, funkadelic vibe of “Drop In,” whose wub-tastic basslines are perfectly fit for a proper laser show.
“Is There Any Love” radiates vibes similar to the Good Will Prevail days, echoing the heartstring-tugging vocal samples into matching synth patterns paired with an iconic horn section. An ode to GRiZ’s more heartfelt side, the “F A D I N G” interlude mixes acoustic guitar elements with a soaring flare of sound design that makes time stop for a second. Before you know it, there’s a dive into the heavier vibe in which GRiZ has dabbled over the past few years with “Falling Flying” and its The Legend of Zelda-like intro, straight freefalling right into a dubstep tune that captures the feeling of letting go.
To brighten the mood, “F U N K I S H” is a classic feelgood GRiZ track, mixing uplifting, bluesy elements with sickening basslines as a palate cleanser before the iconic raps of the GRiZ family resident lyricist Probcause on “Knucklepuck.” Probcause has made a name for himself for bringing clever and incredibly poetic lines that have the crowd screaming them back. OG listeners will get teary eyed experiencing the final track, “Better From Here,” as it combines the nostalgic sounds of older GRiZ tunes and glitch-hop style with a taste of tomorrow. It reminds listeners of the bittersweet ending that’s to come, telling the story through a saxophone melody while keeping the groove alive.
Whether you just experienced your first laser-filled GRiZ show this year or have been with him since his opening sets in the beginning, there’s no doubt the producer has left us all a unique imprint on our memories. We wish GRiZ the best on all his future journeys, and we’ll be here waiting for his return. In the meantime, don’t forgot to show love, spread love!
Make sure to follow GRiZ on socials, stream Ouroboros on Spotify, and let us know your favorite GRiZ memory on Twitter!
Stream GRiZ – Ouroboros EP on Spotify:
GRiZ – Ouroboros EP – Tracklist:
- T A K E C A R E
- Drop In
- Is There Any Love
- F A D I N G
- Falling Flying
- F U N K I S H
- Knucklepuck (feat. Probcause)
- Better From Here
Follow GRiZ:
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