As one of the most respected and innovative labels, Diynamic are a prize target for aspiring producers. Surfing the lines between house and techno, label boss Solomun has enjoyed a wealth of successful releases both for himself and all of the artists on his team. A firm favourite amongst crate diggers and music junkies alike is the Diynamic ‘Four to the Floor’ compilation.
This was a project first undertaken in 2014, demonstrating what Solomun has called “amazing new blood for our label.” The beauty of the Four to the Floor series is the artists included on the compilations are a mixture of known and unknown artists, of which he states “watch out, there’s lots of quality in all those unsigned artists and tracks.”
The series aims to champion four productions that have been carefully selected, tested in the rave and approved by Solomun and Adriatique. Previous compilations have included tracks such as the emotive Sevendoors masterpiece ‘Movement of Whale’, which built up a cult following after featuring on Solomun’s now infamous Tulum Boiler Room set in 2015. The latest addition and subject of this particular recommend is the excellent ‘Four to the Floor 08’, released on March 17 of this year.
The first track is the mighty ‘Zulu’ from Buenos Aires duo Brigado Crew and Argentinian producer Crisstiano. Drawing from their South American roots, ‘Zulu’ is a percussive track with an exotic feel thanks to its echoing vocal samples. The combination creates a powerful primal aura to this track. A perfect example of less is more, resulting in a creative addition to a summer set.
A great feature of Four to the Floor is its ordering, which allow each track to build in momentum and echoes the kind of set to be expected of Solomon during his forthcoming festival appearances. The groove soon quickens, as track two features German duo Adana Twins’ ‘Uncompromising’, which holds a driving baseline and staggered synths. These lead to a multitude of dramatic drops, which are home to an impressively bold snare feature that is guaranteed to drive the most difficult of crowds into dance.
The pace holds its intensity, as French producer Rafael Cerato along with Ukrainian duo ARTBAT introduce track 3 ‘Uplift’. This is a track that could act as the perfect bridge in a set nearing its crescendo. Yet, make no mistake, this track packs a punch. From start to finish, the short, deep punchy synths combined with a funky bass synth meet to make this track tempestuous. This is all underpinned by a steady techno drum that relents only for a moment throughout.
This allows the next track to bleed in nicely. The final addition to the latest edition of Four to the Floor is the dreamy ‘Pretend To Fly’ from Definition. A fast breakdown quells the tech intro and unleashes an atmospheric mixture of vocals and wild synths, characteristic of the Diynamic sound. Low weighty baselines combine make this track the standout of the compilation. Expect to hear this track throughout Boiler Room’s to come, and on the track list of all at Diynamic. As a newer artist, it is encouraging to see Definition get the exposure he deserves as he brings this compilation to a satisfying end.
