HADOUKEN! – Oxygen EP [Surface Noise] |

Named after the noise that video game characters Ryu, Ken and Akuma made after delivering a fireball as one of their fighting maneuvers, UK’s five piece performance based act – Hadouken – tiger uppercut some pumping oxygen levels into any eager electronic dance music listener.

Formed from within the halls of the University Of Leeds, UK vocalist James Smith & guitarist Daniel “Pilau” Rice (yes his nickname IS ‘Pilau!’), formed their own record label called Surface Noise and went on to write and demo their first Hadouken tracks for publication. The band came together in October 2006 with Daniel’s brother, Nick Rice and then James brought in his then girlfriend at the time, Alice Spooner to play synths. In December 2006 bassist Chris Purcell was added to the line-up to make what we now have as a five hit combo Hadouken!

The Oxygen EP features seven edits of two lovely tracks by them, but we showcase three of the mixes involved (plus Hadouken!’s two own Originals).

Alix Perez’s remix of ‘Oxygen’ is all about pure Drum & Bass with absolutely no room to spare. Nova on the other hand gives us a sound which wouldn’t fall short of keeping a fully packed stadium jumping up n’ down on their toes. Major attention should go that way, if you’re a lover of that sound!

High-rising drum & bass is always good to hear, but when you come across the brighter sound of the Dubstep fraternity, then Gemini’s remix reminds you why there is always positive life in a very dark world indeed.

So to conclude – Gemini and Hadouken! – we love you!!