#23 Feat. Hype in Techno (Peak Time / Driving)

Next up on Kuukou is the return of the Passengers VA series. Dario Ferrara kicks us off, following up records on Ambivert and Prospect with an unrelenting trip. Concentrate is a progressive jackhammer built with a sharp, caustic sound palette. Drums are tight and crystal clear, spearing through a mesmerising wall of jagged tones, worm-holing synths and deep, demonic whispers. Sylent is next - channeling his experience playing at KitKatClub, Insomnia, Gotec and Weisser Hase into Under Water: a firm, direct punch with a percolating bass note that builds a sense of pressure from the off. Vast, awe-inspiring synths are expressively dashed across the mix with a lucent beauty that contrasts against the rugged low-end. A breakdown melts all elements away, paving a clear path for an electric vocal line that charges the track through its second chapter. This is heady, melodic Techno that leaves an indelible imprint. Multi-genre production due 11A! follow up with deeper cut Higher Frequency. Nifty hat shuffles map out a sleek, sultry groove that burns underneath a vocal that is guaranteed to bend minds and widen pupils. A barbed, twisted breakdown stretches out before the simple but potent hook rolls back in, keeping the tension bubbling until the close. RAYOs Future brings the package to a conclusion with a bright, minimal tool. Drum-heavy, the track kicks in all the right places while synth lines bounce from one another and a simple vocal rings out making it a beautifully useful instrument for DJs looking to keep attention seized.

Dario Ferrara, Sylent, 11A!, Liberty Jane Brown, RAYO (ITA)