LAYTON GIORDANI Vinyl & CDs

Review: Layton Giordani's latest release Freaks At Night on Drumcode Sweden delivers two heavyweight tracks that are sure to ignite any mainfloor. On Side-1, 'Freaks At Night' pulses with high energy, seamlessly blending sci-fi elements with big room techno. The track's standout feature is its clever use of the classic house sample, 'the way we used to do it,' adding a nostalgic twist to its futuristic vibe. Side-2 introduces the 'New Generation' (Space 92 Remix), a dynamic track that feels like a journey through deep space. The menacing bassline and powerful rhythm create a sense of unstoppable momentum, making it a go-to choice for peak-time sets. Both tracks are built to command attention, offering DJs a tough decision on which side to unleash. Whether you lean towards the energetic nostalgia of 'Freaks At Night' or the dark, driving force of 'New Generation,' this release is a strong addition to any techno collection.

Review: Layton Giordani hails from New York, and since 2017 he's been nurtured by the Drumcode stable as a reliable source of epic techno for the biggest crowds around. His new release is a short, sharp two-tracker which features two very different offerings from this highly decorated new-wave techno titan. 'Phantom' is a massive, grinding beast driven by full-fat synths, dramatic breakdowns and explosive drops - if you appreciate Drumcode, you know what the deal is. Things get mixed up on the flip as 'Thrillseeker' nudges the tempo up, toys with a nimble rhythm section and pings some tripped out effects and playful sample juggling around the frequency range. It's an intriguing look into the other side of Layton Giordani.

Review: The concept of 'life moving fast' is a sentiment we can all recognise, but fewer yet find the neighbouring sentiment - that you are faster than you think, and you can keep up. You have to find it in your heart, which is why you have to make it to the B-side of Layton Giordani's 'Life Moves Fast', his latest for Drumcode, to know it. Philosophising aside, we are urged to "stop to look around once in a while" on the A-side's shifting, maddening tension-builds. The B restores our humanity and mitigates the sense of urgency with a more meditative mover, which fittingly revels in more post-drop stasis compared to the A (though it's still not without its detuned rave stabs and crazy-driving bass hits).

Review: Drumcode and its Swedish founder Adam Beyer have rather become synonymous with big room sounds known as business techno. They don't do anything to shed that tag here with two more epic sounds designed to wash over vast crowds in the world's largest super clubs. Layton Giordani & HI-LO aka Oliver Heldens kick off with 'Rabbit Hole' which is a wall of grainy synth and rolling drums that is simple but effective. Charles D's 'Traction' is another coarsely textured techno roller with splashes of industrial synth and a general sense of subtle elevation.

Review: Layton Giordani reigns as one of the thing-pins of "techno's new school", and his latest collab with Tiga and Audion is a neat testament to this fact. 'Let's Go Dancing' indeed does make clever use of breathy effects and rising reeses, but the track's main message - its exhortation to go dancing with us - is best conveyed by its vocal message, which, by the sheer power of repetitiousness alone, grabs us by the arm and corrals us into the dance whether we like it or not. A rabble-rousing, slick new techno rumpus, you won't be allowed out of the nightclub for as long as this one plays back.