Picture this: you’re on a sun-drenched Ibiza terrace in ’93, the Mediterranean breeze rolling in, and instead of a DJ spinning vinyl, there’s a three-piece band absolutely cooking with nothing but live horns, keys, and percussion. That’s the exact vibe Brass Rave Unit nails on their brand-new single “Ocean View” – a dreamy, old-school house cut that feels like it teleported straight from a lost Balearic café del mar tape.
Hailing from the Netherlands, Brass Rave Unit have been secretly perfecting this wild concept for eleven years: full-on rave energy, but 100% live instruments. No laptops, no backing tracks – just three humans channeling techno, trance, acid house, and hi-NRG through brass, drums, and synths like mad scientists. And on “Ocean View,” everything clicks. Warm pads float over a classic four-to-the-floor kick, jazzy keys dance around the melody, and those punchy horn stabs give it that unmistakable live-band swagger. It’s chill enough for golden hour, but the groove still makes you move. Pure feel-good old-school house with a lounge twist that screams sunset sessions.
This is the lead single from their upcoming album (the follow-up to their 2023 full-length), and you can already tell the new record is going to be a monster. The trio has earned their stripes playing iconic Dutch spots like Paradiso, Best Kept Secret Festival, plus international raves in Berlin and New York. Next year they’re booked for Eurosonic Noorderslag 2026 and a proper club tour – if you ever get the chance to catch them live, cancel your plans. Watching a brass section throw down peak-time techno in real time is the kind of religious experience dance music needs more of.
In a world where most electronic acts hide behind controllers, Brass Rave Unit are out here proving the dance floor still belongs to real musicians. “Ocean View” is the perfect reminder that house music started as a live, sweaty, human thing – and in 2025, these Dutch legends are bringing it full circle.
If you’re loving this kind of organic electronic heat, make sure you follow Brass Rave Unit everywhere and pre-save “Ocean View” right now. And hey, if you’re an artist yourself trying to get your own tracks out to the world, DistroKid is still the smartest move going. Unlimited uploads, you keep 100% of your royalties, and you can grab 7% off your membership right here: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328 – trust me, your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.
What do you think – is live-instrument house the future again, or is Brass Rave Unit just on another level? Drop your thoughts below, share this post if the groove hit you right, and let’s keep the old-school flame alive.
