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Sydney electronic producer Eugene Ward has been creating waves, bobbing heads and making beats for the last few years under multiple pseudonyms. Known as Tuff Sherm or Dro Carey, the young artist shows experience, and talent beyond his years with an impressive collection of EPs, albums, remixes and other creative pursuits.
Dro Carey takes us on a an eclectic, trippy journey thanks to his hazy, dark and undeniably danceable new record, Dark Zoo.
A man on the rise, he was picked up by Melbourne label Soothsayer earlier this year and has since played a set for electro overlords Boiler Room, and announced an Australian tour, including a coveted spot on 2016’s Splendour in the Grass lineup.
In all of his projects, Ward has carried a consistent comfort with experimentation. Whether he is making music, or creating eclectic, trippy, VCR-influenced visuals to accompany tunes, a regular and persistent style permeates his impressive folio. This off-centre, Eugene Ward flair continues to hit the mark with the latest EP Dark Zoo.
The single making the rounds at the moment is Dark Zoo’s opening track titled Queensberry Rules. It features the kick-ass Aussie vocalist Kučka, who most recently performed on Flume’s new album. Hitting the sweet-spot many producers miss, this track manages to melt hi-hat dance rhythms, catchy high-end vocals, and a deep, bouncy bass line together into a cohesive picture.
An undeniably likeable tune for electro listeners, or otherwise a song to break others into the genre, this track is bound to keep seeing airtime and club play.
Ear-catching synth hooks, and off-beat,varied drum sounds rule this record. For how dark this aptly-titled EP may be, every grimy bass line or heavy kick is contrasted with moments of light. The title track features vocals from F.K.L and, as with Queensberry Rules, this song brings listeners up from the depths of its meatier moments with a strong, soaring female vocal lead.
Signal Mash has a similar effect, trading vocals for a prominent, bright synth line which will surely fix itself in your head. For those wanting to turn off the lights, and embrace the filthy darkness the final two instrumental tracks titled Grow Lithe and Hidden Halls, are your jam.
Dark Zoo is surely a step in the right direction for Dro Carey. Funkier than previous releases, Ward is hitting a genre-bending style somewhere between UK garage and what you’d find yourself listening to pants-less at 7am after a bush doof. The addition of vocalists commercialise the style in a favourable way without compromising the Dro Carey sound, a massive compliment to Ward’s producing talent.
The EP throws one fiery dance floor hit after another unapologetically, beat freaks and club nuts Australia wide are certain to be lapping it up. Catch Dro Carey in most of the capital cities and Splendour this July, or find Dark Zoo online.
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