"Pump the Brakes" is a song by Australian record producer Dom Dolla. It was released on 26 March 2021, via Sweat It Out.[2] Dolla wrote and produced the song.
In an press release, Dolla shared: "I produced this record specifically to play at the Shrine in LA in early 2020. It was written as a tongue in cheek story partly inspired by my first car, an old Camry that collects dust in Melbourne while I'm away on tour. I wasn't sure what to do with the record when dance floors paused around the world. But I've received requests for it every other day since. All things considered, I figured it's probably time to get it out there into the world."[4]
Critical reception
Katie Stone of EDM.com felt that the song was "a clear progression from his breakout single 'Take It' which came out back in 2018."[5] Hayden Davies of Pilerats commented that it "[is] rushing with energy, emphasising a pulsing four-on-the-floor kick and moulding it together with strobing melodies and sampling that gives the track the same infectious edge that people have come to adore through his recent work."[6]
Music video
An accompanying "car-culture vibe" music video was released on 14 May 2021, and directed by Prad Sen.[7] The video is set "in a run-down over stocked car yard", and focuses on Dolla's vehicle, a 2001 Toyota Camry. It also features "characters' eccentric styling, including spoiler-styled haircuts, obnoxious jewelry, and matching tracksuits, with Dom himself joining them for the ludicrous ride."[8]