Tokyo-based production duo Drunken Kong have made a pretty substantial mark on the international techno scene in recent years, becoming one of their countries hottest club music exports.
Since exploding in popularity just a couple of years ago, the pair have seen their original music land on a number of techno’s finest labels, including Tronic, Terminal M, Stil Vor Talent, and Natura Viva.
Most recently they returned to Octopus Records for the release of their 4-track In Control EP, which also featured contributions from Theo Nasa.
We welcome the Japanese duo to this months edition of our Five Tracks series, where they share some of their favourite peak time grooves in tracks from Rafa Barrios, Oscar L, and Ken Ishii, among others. Get the full list, including words from Drunken Kong, below.
Drunken Kong – Phoenix
Label: Tronic
This track is one of our favourite releases of 2021. It has worked great in all kinds of situations especially when the dancefloor is already warmed up and ready to go. The groove and the simplicity of the track makes it playable in many different situations and settings. We have received really good feedback on this track.
Ken Ishii – Dive (Oscar L Remix)
Label: Tronic
Since the day I first heard this track, I have been playing it in almost every gig. The groove, the feel, and the drive in this track is just amazing. It always receives a great response from the dancefloor and it’s the perfect groovy track for peak time.
Umberto Pagliarolli & Grasso & Maxim – Insane
Label: Transmit Recordings
I played this track a lot during my USA tour. Really catchy vocals with a great groove. A simple track but it has a lot of energy and drive to it and it always gets the dancefloor moving. It works perfectly in my sets when I want to change the atmosphere.
Rafa Barrios – Randel
Label: Mindshake Records
I have always liked Rafa Barrios’ productions and this track is one of my favourites from him. I have always been a big tribal fan, so this track was something that I immediately liked. It works very well as a transition when I want to take my sets to a more groovy sound. It has a very good groove, so it keeps the energy high.
Drunken Kong – Take It
Label: Tronic
I was very happy when I finished this track. This was my latest release with Tronic. I still very much like the groove and feel to this track. The vocal sample also works very well, and I have always had good reactions from the dancefloor when I played this.