House music has a new anthem, and it’s called “Don’t Start.” The latest offering from Swedish duo The Dorm captures the genre’s best qualities—euphoric rhythms, resonant vocals, and an infectious energy that compels you to move. Fresh off the success of “Goodbye,” Jonas Svensson and Linus “Lente” Johansson have created a track that not only invites listeners to the dance floor but also showcases their remarkable evolution as artists. With layers of rich harmonies and meticulous beats, “Don’t Start” embodies their signature style while pushing the boundaries of electronic music, proving why they remain a force in Sweden’s vibrant electronic scene.
From the first beat, “Don’t Start” draws you in with a celebratory energy, establishing a pulse that immediately beckons the dance floor. Svensson and Johansson have long had a unique talent for merging intricate layers with catchy hooks, and this track continues that tradition. Here, the duo interweaves electronic textures with lush vocal harmonies, creating a soundscape that feels both expansive and intimate. This song is unmistakably their own yet bears the hallmarks of innovation—a tricky balance that Svensson and Johansson execute with ease. The result is a track that builds anticipation, weaving a tapestry of sounds that resonate with anyone who appreciates deep house or melodic electronic music.
“Don’t Start” is minimal but poignant, capturing a sense of vulnerability that’s often left unsaid in dance tracks. The repeated refrain—“When you said that you would take me, but that you might break me, baby, don’t you start”—strikes a universal chord, echoing the hesitation and trust dynamics of a close relationship. It’s simple yet effective, adding an emotional depth that speaks to the hesitation many feel in matters of the heart. The Dorm uses these lines sparingly but with purpose, letting the repetition sink in with each verse. By allowing the lyrics to loop, they create a mesmerizing effect, as if to mirror the cyclical thoughts of doubt and desire that often accompany love’s uncertainties.
What sets “Don’t Start” apart is how it perfectly encapsulates The Dorm’s evolution as artists. While their signature style is present—the layered beats, the melodic swells, and the immersive harmonies—there’s a new depth here that hints at personal and artistic growth. The track’s nuanced production reveals Svensson and Johansson’s deep understanding of the genre, yet it’s accessible to anyone who just wants to lose themselves in a groove. There’s an underlying sophistication to their work that brings emotional richness to an otherwise ecstatic genre.
With “Don’t Start,” The Dorm cements their reputation as trailblazers, crafting music that is as intellectually engaging as it is danceable. It’s an exciting addition to their discography, one that speaks not only to their skill but also to their intuitive connection with their listeners. As “Don’t Start” reverberates through clubs and playlists alike, it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of electronic music. For fans of melodic house and electronic music, this track is an absolute must-listen and will surely echo across dance floors well beyond this season.