Review: Introducing once again burgeoning sensation Nic As Well, a French-Swiss national known for his Couleur 3 radio show, previous moniker Lemonick, and recent release for the enigmatic COD3-QR label. Having appeared on Even The Strong's ETS000 EP in 2017, the outlandish and underground artists finds a full debut here with this Hard Hat Area double-drop; a release that takes on techno as much as it does wild percussion and industrial music. "Morcego" sends in touches of baile funk alongside slamming street drums and undulating rhythms coated in a light, warehouse reverb, while "Hard Hat Area" lays down a functional rhythm while drums and percussion either side of its groove pump with frenetic energy, growling bass and housey hi-hats. Construction Zone!
Review: Even The Strong have gone out of their way to explore the unknown with this one as they invite the combined powers of both Scratcha DVA & NKC onboard for a pair of fabulously creative originals. We begin with the shuffling kick drum rolls and techno inspired arrangements of 'Hardbody 999', in which Scratcha DVA once again displays his incredible ability to deliver the unexpected, as the track descends into a more UK funky inspired combination of rhythm and distorted basslines the further on it travels. On the flip, NKC gives us something just as impressive as the industrial drum designs and choppy arrangements of 'Shuvvin Match' give us a gnarly, system ready smasher. What a combo!
