Out Now: Droid.Digi.04 – xfive – Instillation EP

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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.