Raunch Meets Rapture in Hardwell and Olly James’ Electrifying EP, “The Seduction”

by Michael Ryan · Published April 7, 2023

In their new collaborative EP, Hardwell and Olly James blend techno and big room house with a titillating twist.

The art of seduction isn't exactly a cornerstone of Hardwell's music, but as they say, there's no time like the present.

The Dutch dance music icon has teamed up with longtime Revealed collaborator Olly James for a new two-track EP, The Seduction. Hardwell gave both songs a spin during his dazzling Ultra 2023 set, and they've now hit streaming platforms for fans chasing that euphoric feeling in its wake.

Hardwell and James kick off with "Seduction," a titillating techno track with some—ahem—very sexual sounds. The decision to sample a women's moaning and heavy breathing was a bold one, and while it led to a bona fide banger, it's probably best to listen at low volume in the office. Longtime fans of both artists will find themselves at home with the ensuing "Flatline," a blistering big room song with a breakbeat twist.

The Seduction EP is Hardwell's fifth release of a group of six, which he revealed in early 2023 by virtue of a cluster of mysterious doors on his website. The final release, a long-awaited collaboration with hardstyle duo Sub Zero Project called "Judgement Day," is expected to drop in mid-April following its predecessors, "Balança," Twisted," "Sloopkogel" and "Revolution."

You can find The Seduction EP on streaming platforms here.