Hans Glock goes back to the roots with his album Back2Basics

With Back2Basics, Hans Glock (Angelo Croes) takes listeners on a trip into his sound. The album includes Hardstyle, Raw, Hardcore, Jumpstyle, and Happy Hardcore.

The project grew from Hans’ lifelong passion for the harder styles, which began in his youth. Over the years, he listened, and studied huge amounts of music. This gave him a big understanding of Hard Dance. “I’ve spent years digging and learning why these styles connect with people the way they do,” he says. That knowledge is present throughout Back2Basics, where classic influences meet his vision.

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A key element of the album is the lineup of collabs with pioneer artists from each subgenre. Happy Hardcore legends Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo, Hardstyle icons Deepack & Luna, and rawstyle legend E-Force all contribute. Vocalists such as Jebroer and five female singers, including Hans’ own wife, help shape the project's identity. 

What makes Back2Basics stand out is the balance between classics and modern Hard Dance. “People in their fifties tell me the tracks remind them of their youth, while younger listeners hear a modern sound but discover where it came from,” Angelo explains. 

Tracks such as the STARS remix with Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo and Knuffelen with FeestDJruud show this approach clearly. The STARS remix has influences from happy hardcore, hardstyle and gabber with vocals from Tally. Knuffelen includes subtle interpolations of Lovestruck by Southside Spinners, recognisable without being too obvious. 

With Back2Basics, Hans wants to deliver energy and emotion. Music that makes you want to dance, train, or lose yourself in the sound. After the successful first edition of “Hans Glock presents Back2Basics Live”, complete with visuals that match each track, the plan is to tour the concept across the Netherlands, from pop venues to major festivals. 

‘Back2Basics' by Hans Glock is out now on Hardstyle.com.