Fresh off the release of their second album, Hammer & Tongs, renowned breakbeat duo the DRUMATTIC TWINS are returning to Oz. It has been a few years since the pair have graced our shores. Unlike a few of their Australian counterparts who have recently advocated a stronger electro influence, the Drumattic Twins remain truly a breaks superpower. Needless to say diehards and scenesters alike are keenly awaiting their fifth tour.
"We always look forward to coming to Australia," says one half of the pair, Kevin Lancaster, better known as Lanx. "The scenery and weather are good and the people are crazy! Although Canberra is a bit colder so we might have to pack our cardigans." Though they might need more than their cardies to ward off the Canberra cold, their legions of fans will flock to the Transit Bar this Thursday July 9 regardless of weather.
The Drumattic Twins' foray into production began in the mid '80s as a cover band. It wasn't until Lanx and production partner Nick Slater teamed up with vocalist Ryan Gee as "Shades of Rhythm" did their star begin to rise. The trio went on to produce era-defining anthems such as Extacy and Sweet Sensation. With their remix of N-Trance's Set You Free they became a household name, even appearing on Top of the Pops.
Jump forward a decade to the release of Drumattical in 2001 from their independent label Freakazoid. Tired of the constraints of working with a major label, Freakazoid allowed the Drumattic Twins a unique creative opportunity. The universal success of Drumattical showed the gamble paid off. A whole new generation of club goers were converted to the Twins' notorious break beat when triple j championed Feelin Kinda Strange and local heavyweights Bass Kleph and Nick Thayer remixed the track.
Released a few short months back their new album is massively club orientated. "There was not one single inspiration for the new album," says Lanx. "It is more of a collection of songs, a progression of our music since the first album. In saying that though the majority of the music is new and we have tried to appeal to a wider audience."
With the huge singles Don't Be So Drumattic, Sound of the Drum and Under the Lights already getting an awesome dance floor response, Australian audiences have a lot to look forward to. Their 'decks and effects' show has been honed with years of experience. Yet their cacophony of layered sound is thankfully not preset. "Our sets are different every night," Lanx explains. "We don't plan our sets; it is always on the fly, which makes it more exciting I think. We try and follow what the crowd is into, so it will differ from place to place."
Don't miss Lanx and Nick Thayer at Transit's new night Full Frequency on Thursday July 9. With support by local favourites Karton, Dubdeckerbuss, Staky and the Rideckulous DJs and free entry, there are no excuses not to go!
