DROID.DIGITAL.04
Featuring Debut by xfive
Remixes by Paul Mac, Drumcell
Available now in digital format on Beatport
Los Angeles transplant via Virginia, Chris Thomas aka xfive debuts his first true techno EP on Droid Digital. Chris is a man of many monikers with releases and collaborations on Voidloss’s techno / grime label SINGULARITY as Villian and dark electro noise under his own name C Thomas. As xfive, Chris brings a unique spin to Droid’s signature sound with deeper references to Chicago and Detroit including lush synth work and stark drum programming on his “Instillation EP.”
On remix duties, Chris has commissioned long time friend and UK techno legend Paul Mac of Stimulus / Primate / Theory fame and Droid Label head Drumcell. Paul takes a slightly militant approach on his interpretation of “Instiller” for heavier club deployment. Drumcell thickens up the mix on his revision of this future classic.
Track A ‘Confluence’ is Basic Channel-influenced dub techno complete with echo chords and tight percussion grooves that hinting towards house. Crisp production and mid tempo pacing make this perfect for opening / closing duties and leeway to pensive territory.
The title track ‘Instiller’ flips the script with dissonant, bone-chilling synth work and heavier drums pacing throughout the 8 minutes of pure techno bliss. This track is for fans of the long mix with plenty of rises and falls that keep things interesting on the dancefloor.
Paul Mac injects both hi-fidelity and sonic muscle into his version of ‘Instiller.’ The strong groove becomes noticeable with its frontal crash cymbals, offbeat stabs and peppering of 303s across the mix. Paul retains the best elements from the original and toughens them up with booming bass and sharp percussion that will keep crowds moving to the early morning in any situation.
Drumcell layers the originals main groove and dissonance over a battle hardened drum lines. His attention to sound design detail and synth wash intricacies move this 7 minute epic along smoothly until the break down leaves listeners suspended in mid air. 32 bars later the bass kicks back in and slams those same listeners back into submission.
ARTIST FEEDBACK:
Steve Parker
Pure Droid Techno!! All mixes are excellent
but i go now for Drumcell remix and
original…very good work !!!
Adam Jay
Drumcell Remix and Confluence are the
tracks for me. Very nice.
Henry Chow
Really dig the Originals.
DVS1
really like the original Instiller track
here….Once it gets going the chords are so
nice for my vibe…the remixes are nice as
well, but I’m stcking to the original!
Kero
nice one, will give airplay.
Perc
Original tracks are strong but I prefer the
Paul Mac & Drumcell mixes. Nice to see
Paul on the label. I’ll be supporting.
Material Object
Digging the Drumcell mix
Ambivalent
Instiller is an amazing track. Drumcell remix
is equally dope. Fantastic release. Full
support, I’ll definitely wear this out.
Psyk
Drumcell Remix! Paul Mac Remix is also
good
Adam Beyer
nice ep, like original + both remixes
Tim Xavier
Good stuff…..downloading…
Tommy Four Seven
Nice sexy roll on ‘Confluence.’ Totally dig
the cell’s building beauty!
Paul Mac
Bit of everything on this one even some
Lazy Uk vibes 🙂 good stuff will be playing
for sure.
Paco Osuna
thank you,drumcell for me
Butane
confluence is really nice.
Marcel Jochmann
Drumcell Remix for me, Confluence also
very nice
Jonas Kopp
I like the Paul Mac´s remix !
thanks.
Dustin Zahn
All versions of Instiller are solid!
Bryan Zentz
instiller is awesome. deep and hypnotic but
rockin. confluence… great. top notch work
chris! nice remixes too.
Deetron
I’m really into Confluence, great metallic
percussion and pads.
Alan Fitzpatrick
confluence is wicked and i love the drumcell
mix.
Nihad Tule
drumcell remix + original for me. strong
release!
Clint Stewart
Another heavy hitter from the Droid Camp!
Instiller (Original Mix) and Drumcell remix
for me!
Par Grindvik
really like the paul mac rework! thanks
nice post. thanks.
Sure an interesting article. Thanks 🙂