Dillon Francis Brings Back His Signature 2010s Style in 'This Mixtape is Fire TOO'

Dillon Francis places collaboration at the heart of his creative process for his latest full-length effort.

With the holiday season right around the corner, Dillon Francis has blessed fans with a a premature gift: the official sequel to his notorious 2015 album, This Mixtape is Fire. Released on December 1 via Astralwerks, This Mixtape is Fire TOO acts as a vibrant collection of collaborations showcasing his versatility as a producer. While Francis sticks with his signature big room style, he also demonstrates prowess with subgenres within the broader umbrella of EDM, including future bass house, trap, and moombahton.

The standout track, “I’m My Only Friend” with Arden Jones, blends cinematic emotional depth with a danceable melody reminiscent of early 2000s EDM. Already racking up over 27 million streams on Spotify since its 2022 release, it channels the essence of feelgood festival dance music, marrying relatable lyrics with an energetic electronic backdrop reminiscent of Robert Miles‘ “Children.”

“On A Trip” with Marten Hørger surprises listeners with unexpected breakdowns and subtle techno influences, combining Francis’ style with Hørger’s signature touch. Meanwhile, tracks like “buttons!” with Knock2 offer a bouncy, horn-laden ride layered with bass house drops promising to heat up the dance floor of nightclubs worldwide.

The mixtape delves into darker club sounds with “Free,” featuring Alesso and Clementine Douglas, boasting heavy effects and heart-racing samples. “LA On Acid” with Good Times Ahead transitions from acid house elements to dubstep vibes tailor-made for festival stages.

Shifting tones, “Pretty People” featuring INJI slightly diverges from Francis’ usual style, delivering a catchy, creatively diverse drop. Notably, the melody bears a striking resemblance to “EDOM” by Avicii, showcasing Francis’ ability to channel inspirations while imprinting his unique touch. His take on Ciara‘s hit “Goodies” emerges as a pulsating house anthem, lighting up any dancefloor in its wake.

The album crescendos with “Don’t Let Me Let Go” co-produced by Illenium and featuring EVAN GIIA. It merges Francis’ signature touches alongside Illenium’s future bass style, incorporating acoustic guitar elements for a warm and emotional festival-ready cut ideal for closing out the night.

This Mixtape Is Fire TOO is not merely a thematic journey but a testament to Dillon Francis’ artistry in leaving an indelible mark on each collaboration. It showcases his breadth as a producer, weaving a cohesive yet diverse tapestry of musical styles with other reputable names in the industry.

Stream This Mixtape is Fire TOO on your preferred platform, and read on for a deeper dive into the album!