What a year it was for the world surrounding bass culture; while the aggro-based sound collectively known as “bro-step” blew out big clubs all over the States, the surrounding, more intimate and intelligent venues housed some of the best artists seen in recent years. This is partly because this was a landmark year for new acts to emerge out of the electronic fold and present themselves in the biggest way possible; 2010 was definitely a year to step up in the grandest way and the artists on this top ten list reflect that; from big debuts to debut album epics to just extraordinary musical undertakings, all the tracks here provide a sonic connection to the many pieces that made 2010 whole. Without further ado, the best tracks of the year are down below.

10. Sepalcure – Love Pressure (Hotflush)

The duo of Travis Stewart and Praveen Sharma started their collaborative project, Sepalcure, quietly for the most part until stringing together an EP for Hotflush Recordings that totally changed dynamics of the dancefloor and endeared the ears of many listeners. Blending the sounds of dream-like house and garage around the range of dubstep tempos, as well stylishly dropping bits of ’90s house acapellas in the most soothing way possible, their release Love Pressure was a personal favorite of many, the highlight being the title track of the EP. A strong and scintillating opener, it creates a euphoric bass journey to anyone willing to hear it.

9. Gold Panda – Same Dream China (Ghostly)

Gold Panda’s journey to this list is a strange one, as I didn’t expect the sounds on his debut album, Lucky Shiner, to be as lush and diverse as it has become to be; considering his earlier material, which was more rugged and self-adjusted (while still brilliant), it wasn’t proper dancefloor or emotional material. The tunes on the album changed that perspective entirely, especially with “Same Dream China”. Repetitive in its nature, the track is full of oriental tinges and vibrancy packed in a somewhat simple and smile-inducing rhythm. With a tune like this, it only makes one wonder what Gold Panda has planned next up his, erm…hat.

8. Kingdom – Fogs (Night Slugs)

There’s no doubt that the young label of Night Slugs had a huge year; actually that could be an understatement. It was beyond massive; with releases from talents like Jam City, Girl Unit, Lil Silva and such, there was no telling how big things could get. Then one point this year, Kingdom finally put out his long-awaited That Mystic EP on the label, and what happened was a kind of bass bliss. While every track on the EP screams his signature style of cutting, manipulating and sweetening R ‘n B rhythms and vocals, “Fogs” was the ultimate tune of the release. With its almost-eski-sneaky intro and it’s booming kicks and snares (not to mention sampling an R ‘n B diva) it instantly became a hit on dancefloors everywhere; and I mean everywhere. From London to Barcelona to NYC, it was a worldwide phenomenon.