HI-LO, the darker, more underground techno alter ego of DJ/producer/ HILOMATIK label head Oliver Heldens, is a well-established Drumcode denizen, with three EPs and a VA track already adorning Adam Beyer’s imprint. Now he enlists LUSU, the futuristic, high-energy techno project of producers Wiwek and Mike Cervello, for the exhilarating title track on his ‘DIZZY’ two-tracker, alongside solo cut ‘MESMERIZE”, out now on Drumcode.
‘DIZZY’ with LUSU is frantically hyper yet carefully crafted, typical of Heldens’ tech expertise. A superspeed techno beat and breaksy percussion, backed by subtle but slightly ominous bass synth, keeps things kicking, with intervals of melodic house-y synth chords in the breakdowns and some epic drops. The vocal sample referenced in the track title is a feature throughout, beginning as a highly processed riff, and emerging as the much-loved acapella quatrain from Game’s 1991 cut ‘U Turn Me On’ pitch-shifted and speed up to the max. The alliance of the three producers on the single ‘DIZZY’ is a full-on bolt of dance ignition.
‘MESMERIZE’ delivers a thumping beat, Moroder-alike bassline, and a jazzy melody of pizzicato plucked notes – the underlying chord progression adds an emotional heft to the high energy danceability, keeping minds hooked while feet and hands let rip on the dancefloor.
