Contributing WriterJust months following the release of his lauded LP debut on DIRTYBIRD, label favorite Steve Darko returns alongside Nik Thrine for a two-tracker dubbed ‘Small Things.’ The EP brims with the refreshing, off-kilter take on tech house that both producers have built their names around, beginning with a slow burning title opener that blossoms into a dynamic mix of glitches, vocal clips, growling bass, and a simple, yet infectious hook built to get stuck in listeners’ heads. Darko and Thrine build on the glitch motif in “Droids,” a cerebral number that substitutes melody for a kaleidoscope of synth effects and drum layers that together create a futuristic atmosphere. It’s just this type of quirky, yet innovative sound design that DIRTYBIRD seeks to spotlight this year as it settles into its next phase.
‘Small Things’ is a fitting follow-up to Darko’s ‘Midnight Swim’ album, in which his innovative approach to its tracks and chosen collaborators earned support from the likes of Pete Tong on BBC, Billboard Dance, DJ Times, and DJ Mag Latinoamerica, to name a few. The LP came after several years spent under Claude VonStroke’s wing, who picked up the iZotope software developer early on in his career. Steve Darko has also clocked in a USA tour under his belt, in addition to signed tracks on mau5trap, Box Of Cats, Slothacid, and more.
Nik Thrine, formerly of the duo Smeed & Suspense, is just beginning to make his break in the international dance space after years cutting teeth in his Southern California locale. A wildcard of sorts, his expansive range of productions from disco to tech house led to an early signing on Soul Clap Records, with additional works landing on Staybad, Denied, and Audiophile Deep.