12"

genre: TECHNO

label: DRUMCODE   Cat.No: DC332

Japanese duo SUDO return to Drumcode with “We Are Free”, following their seminal 2024 debut “Real World”. Last summer brothers Isao and Takashi, aka SUDO, delivered one of the most invigorating releases Drumcode had heard in recent times with “Real World”. Inspired by Underworld’s incendiary ‘Rez’, the EP was the sound of two producers pouring all their passion and shared musical history into a body of work that will be remembered for years to come. The release reached #1 on Beatport’s Release chart and saw a subsequent collaboration with Bart Skils, “Nexus”, released later that year on Drumcode. “We Are Free” continues SUDO’s timeless and emotive approach to techno, creating a four-track album inspired by the concepts of “freedom, godliness, memory and transition”. The title track spans electro-tinged techno, silky ambient textures and breakbeats. Isao states: “We wanted to powerfully and explosively express one of our aims on the dancefloor: a celebratory moment and freedom from restriction”. “Elysium” is a transcendental techno cut that juxtaposes intense industrial rhythms with a surprising break inspired by a children’s choir Isao heard one day at Berlin Cathedral. “It took us a long time to produce and with many patterns before we were satisfied,” Isao recounts. “It was a real process of diving into the hypnotic groove and searching for godliness.” Initially inspired by seeing Bart Skils play during a New Year 2025 set in Argentina, “Lost in Paradise” is driven by a delicate Latin vocal and crisp, sun-drenched rhythms, before picking up the pace in the second half. “As the production progressed, we arrived at a wonderful result with the vocal of the track, a tribute to one of our greatest influences: the untouched nature of Ibiza and the light vibes and beautiful people flowing there.” The EP closes with “Horizon”, a beautiful and bittersweet anthem that marks the end of the party.[info sheet from distribution]