Artist: Darko
Title: Code Of The Toad / Elapse
Label: Sumsonic Recordings
By: Simon Jones | 24 May 2002
Tracklist:

• A: Code Of The Toad
• B: Elapse

Darko "Code Of The Toad / Elapse"

Darko is Mark O Brien, who also producers with Paul Rogers as Sleepfreaks, and with Chris Gainer as Seconds Out and Darko Vs Gainer. His debut release on Sumsonic was the AA side Search/Rotor in Early 2001, and now he returns with his latest release, another AA side in the form of Code Of The Toad/Elapse. In the near future he will have a track called 'Phased' released on Sumsonic offshoot Mechanism, which comes with a massive remix from Blackwatch, which has already been featured on many compilations.

Code Of The Toad starts with some trippy beats, switching into a cut up tech influenced percussion line almost instanteously. Swirling atmospherics simmer beneath the beats, as the percussion evolve and takes a life of its own as the track progresses along gradually, before a large analogue riff starts moving things forward at a faster piece, building the mood until the track enters a massive break into the depths of the unknown, returning with more intensity than before as a driving series of pads are used to take the track to higher limits to great effect. A moody cut that slowly draws you in and then lets loose when you least expect it.

Elaspe on the other hand is on a more groove fuelled tip, deep atmospheric pads interrupting the techy percussion line give this track a real feeling of depth as its weaves its way into a subtle breakdown, before some light echoed synths wash over the percussion smoothly. Deep, dark, and sublimely captivating

Another excellent release from the ever consisent Sumsonic label, and no doubt we can expect many more quality productions like this over the course of the summer, with 'The Stand' by Bala, which has already been featured on Anthony Pappa's Resolution cd, due for release next.