- Peak-time house heavy on drama.
- William Djoko boasts an impressive CV. The Amsterdam artist has released on Strictly Rhythm, Rush Hour and Ed Banger, made music with Loco Dice and held residencies at Shelter, Circoloco and Trouw. The big-room house and techno scene clearly loves him, and you can see why—against a wealth of flavourless acts, his vibrant DJ style and bubbly persona stand out. So why isn't he a bigger name?
His productions, which can be hit and miss, might have something to do with it. He's yet to make a real standout track, the kind that can alter the course of a career. That said, he's a solid talent, adept at crafting peak-time weapons heavy on theatrical sounds. Whiplash, the first EP on his new label, DJOKO Records, is a case in point. The title track, powered by a muscular groove and a head-spinning breakdown, will create big moments, though it could do without Djoko's cringey vocals. "Panic Is A Pheeling," another barnstormer, is simpler and better, with wacky sound effects zipping around a huge bassline. "Bernice," all soulful diva vocals, pounding techno drums and fizzing synths, is Floorplan-lite—you might as well go with the real thing. The EP rounds out with "Strangest Thing," a short yet dramatic jam with synths. It could cause chaos at the right moment.
TracklistA1 Whiplash (Groovemix)
A2 Panic Is A Pheeling
B3 Bernice
B4 Strangest Thing