Quest for Fire
Skrillex
Year: 2023
Genres: EDM, UK Garage, Bass house
Descriptors: rhythmic, futuristic, energetic, dense, melodic, technical, surreal, eclectic, urban
8.5/10
Quest for Fire is Skrillex’s magnificent return to power after a 9-year hiatus, although it isn’t a return to style in most ways.
This album came out on my 19th birthday during a very turbulent time in my life. In my honest opinion, it’s also one of the best albums released this year! It’s definitely a contender for my AOTY 2023.
Quest for Fire is an excellent display of Skrillex’s producing prowess. He’s moved away from his dubstep roots (Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, etc.), creating a beautiful work of art that is sure to impress.
On this album, Skrillex demonstrates an incredible amount of restraint. Instead of the traditional dubstep growls dominating the drops, Skrillex creates a minimalistic atmosphere. He utilizes short, snappy percussion samples, FM bass patches, and atmospheric ear candy to create a wonderful experience that is almost ambient at times.
I probably won’t do this for every album I review, but since I like Quest for Fire so much, here’s a breakdown of my thoughts on each track.
- Leave Me Like This – An amazing start to this album with great vocals and impressive drops. The callback to the classic “Yes, oh my god!” sample from Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites is wonderfully nostalgic. The beginning of this track interpolates the melody of the last track, Still Here (with the ones that I came with), making the album loop in a really satisfying way.
- RATATA – Unfortunately, this is probably my least favorite track on this album. I love the vocals, but I don’t really like the drop.
- Tears – This is a masterpiece and one of my favorite tracks on this album. The minimalistic drops are amazing, and I love the Navi “Listen!” sample from The Legend of Zelda!
- Rumble – I hated this song at first, but it’s definitely grown on me a lot. The vocals are awesome and the drop goes crazy.
- Butterflies – This song is also really good. I love the breakdown part with just the bells and drums near the end of the song.
- Inhale Exhale – This song creates a very tense and uneasy atmosphere. The drops aren’t that great in my opinion, but it’s definitely up there as one of the better songs on this project.
- A Street I Know – This song is alright. I typically skip it.
- XENA – Wow. That’s all I can say for this one. The percussion is insanely powerful and creative.
- TOO BIZARRE (juked) – This is definitely one of my favorites! The drop is sooooo catchy.
- Hydrate – Just like Rumble, I didn’t like this one at first. It grew on me very quickly, and I love the bass synths on it.
- Warped Tour ’05 with pete WENTZ – This track is an incredibly short exploration of Skrillex’s musical past. It’s cute, but I typically skip it.
- Good Space – I typically skip this one; I guess it’s alright.
- Supersonic (my existence) – This track is AWESOME, and definitely one of my favorites. Shouts out to Dylan Brady of 100 gecs for helping with this one!
- Hazel Theme – This track starts the melody that is interpolated for Leave Me Like This, and it transitions into Still Here (with the ones that I came with) really nicely.
- Still Here (with the ones that I came with) – This is my absolute favorite track on the album. It’s very sweet, and it makes me feel thankful for my friends. This is definitely a summer anthem.
Favorite tracks:
- Still Here (with the ones that I came with)
- Supersonic
- Butterflies
- Rumble
- Tears
Misses:
- A Street I Know
- Warped Tour ’05 with pete WENTZ
- Good Space
