UPFRONTBEATS

2016 is here and Drumcode continues on releasing the most cutting edge and refined techno that the label is so well known for. With releases last year from heavy hitters such as Adam Beyer, Alan Fitzpatrick, Lugi Madonna, Jel Ford, dubspeeka and Mark Reeve; Drumcode will continue on in 2016 much in the same way ‘ bringing club ready music to the techno community.

Having landed his first DJ gig at the age of just 14, Marco Faraone was clearly destined for success in music. He quickly gained a reputation for himself in his native Italy, becoming a resident at Florence’s famed Tenax and releasing his first productions on their imprint. Since then, he’s become well known as a prolific and versatile producer, releasing on the likes of Moon Harbour, Drumcode, Sci + Tec, Desolat, Be As One, Get Physical and Truesoul. Having built up such a large body of work, he also recently launched his own label, Uncage Music. He retained his residency at Tenax whilst touring extensively, having played at the likes of Tomorrowland, Extrema Outdoors, BPM, Elrow Barcelona, and German techno havens Panorama Bar and Watergate.

Italy’s fastest rising name in house and techno returns to the respected Drumcode imprint with this blistering new 4-track EP, ‘Climax’. Featuring a distinctive vocal sample crescending over a typically thumping bassline, opening lead track ‘Climax’ grows gradually with the introduction of a single synth note and skipping hi-hats. Two beatless breakdowns increase the pressure whilst a new synth melody is introduced in the second, making for a powerful ending as all the elements join together.

‘Boost’ starts out deep and dark, with a high-pitched call echoing over a determined beat. The track changes course mid-way thought with the introduction of a bassy, low-pitched synth melody, helping ‘Boost’ evolve into a catchier, more playful track.

‘Spectre’, a no-nonsense closing piece featuring a jittering synth note, rattling hi-hates and a trademark tension-filled breakdown.

‘Over The Clouds’, as its name would suggest, is the gentlest of the four tracks. Filled with dusty textures over a rumbling bassline, twinkling synths move in waves before lower-pitched chords join, adding a real sense of depth to this production.

Overall, ‘Climax’ is an outstanding example of Faraone’s ear for detail as a producer: his experience as both a resident and touring DJ clearly feeds into his skills for manipulating tension in his productions like he does on the dancefloors. Having recently warmed up for Adam Beyer at Tenax, Marco Faraone’s relationship with the iconic label continues to grow.

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