Download Side B – 30:14, 55.3 MB

256kbps, 44.1kHz stereo

Stereo rebalanced, normalized, treble boosted

Preview

This is a white label tape simply labelled “Clarkee”. The case lists “1996″ on the spine of the J-card.

It’s primarily chugging hardcore with percussive progressive minimalist techno-style arrangements, with some acidcore and bleepy little melodies thrown in for good measure. The 4/4 is pretty dependable throughout, punctuated by distorted 909s. If the audio range weren’t so full I’d suspect nearly the entire mix was comprised of hard techno tracks pitched up to 45.

There is a certain je-ne-sais-quois about this mix that really makes it stand out. It’s not just any hardcore mix. The regularity and monotony of the beats and patterns might be a turn-off for some, but I find myself really losing myself in the rhythm as I listen. The sound is really unconventional and relentless, almost like the caffeinated love child of Hardfloor and Robert Hood.

This is one of very few Clarkee mixes I’ve heard, but it’s enough for me to call him one of my favourite hardcore DJs of all time. I just love the direction he takes. It has a great mood and doesn’t fear to stomp all over uncharted territory. Definitely one of my favourite mixes.

Please leave a comment to tell me whether you enjoy this mix!