Ellie Goulding is back with “Ravers”, the lead single teasing her upcoming album “I Know Too Much” due out in September. She really doesn’t need an introduction at this point, but instead of playing it safe, she went in a surprisingly experimental direction here.
The track opens with a subtle Bulgarian, Balkan-inspired intro before sliding straight into a classic oldschool segment. From there, it transitions into a bright Piano House beat that definitely winks at prime Calvin Harris. The catchy vocal loops blend naturally with Ellie’s signature voice, driving the track forward before dropping into a straight-up House riff built for festival crowds.
What makes “Ravers” so tricky is how it deliberately throws three huge elements into a power struggle: Ellie’s vocals, that bright piano, and a heavy driving bassline. They end up clashing directly against each other.
Now, I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely sold on how these three distinct elements gel together. At times, the mix feels a bit disconnected, like the elements are fighting for room rather than flowing as one cohesive groove. A slightly tighter balance in the midsection could have made the transition smoother.
That said, as an example of creative EDM pop, it really works. The vocals are flat-out stunning, and while the lyrics keep things simple, they’re wildly addicting and stick in your head long after the first listen. It reminds me why Ellie has been such a dominant force in the electronic scene over the years.
I had a lot of fun with “Ravers”, and if this is the direction she’s taking, I’m genuinely excited to see what the rest of the album brings in September.
