Already overtaking the world’s dance floors with hits such as “Push and Rise” and “Fire Power,” Wolfgang Gartner is at it again with his debut LP, “Weekend in America.” The album was only released on Sept. 20, yet this American electro-house producer and DJ already has more than 20,000 views on some of the songs that were quickly posted on YouTube. Known for his “Animal Rights” duet with Deadmau5 in 2010 and single “Undertaker,” Gartner had secured a sizeable and loyal fan base for his new masterpiece. The album was produced under UK record label Ministry of Sound. The label is famous for award-wining music videos from artists such as Eric Prydz and Benny Benassi, so fans knew that the new album would not disappoint. Most artists in this genre come out with singles or EPs, so it’s always very exciting when a whole album is released. Previous releases such as “Illamerica” and “Spacejunk” were included in the album, as well as many new surprises. Fans who were lucky enough to catch Gartner’s sets at festivals — such as Camp Bisco, Electric Daisy Carnival and Ultra Music Festival — this past year have had to wait patiently to download the songs they couldn’t find after the shows. There is definitely a hip-hop and R&B feel on “Weekend in America,” with songs featuring artists such as Eve, Jim Jones, Omarion and Cam’ron. For a nonstop dance album, Gartner definitely succeeds. Despite the interesting twists, Gartner, of course, presents his fans with hypnotic trances to automatically get feet moving and make bodies to go wild. It is obvious that Gartner’s typical songs are where he proves his skills. Energetic and upbeat songs such as “The Champ,” “The Way It Was” and “Shrunken Heads” will be played and mixed in clubs worldwide if the DJs know how to get their crowds hyped. The entire album flows extremely well with the perfect balance of vocals and instrumental satisfaction. One of the only flaws is that some of the songs sound a little similar, but Gartner’s talent shines too bright to dwell upon it. It seems likely that this new album will provide Wolfgang Gartner with the success and popularity that he deserves to gain his rightful position on top.
