Opening with ambient synths and aquatic samples, Paris-based electronic producer Darius carefully built the mood at Cabaret BMO Sainte-Thérèse. Building more dance floor-friendly beats on top of the minimalist synth grooves from last year's debut album Utopia, Darius slowly introduced more intense elements until the set had gradually turned into a full-on dance party, intriguing with repeated stops and starts to highlight the gradual build. The early part of the set crested with Darius's remix of Dua Lipa's "IDGAF," which placed the vocals atop warbling synths.
Toward the middle of the set, Darius took a more experimental direction, mixing in breathy gospel samples and mellower beats, which only worked to negate the meticulous build of the opening half. The cerebral grooves were an interesting respite from the relentless four-on-the-floor beats, but had a jarring effect on the dance floor.
Thankfully, Darius returned to his easy dancing roots for the last part of the set, which built into a time signature-fucking closing track that merged his penchant for a good groove with his desire to move away from standard four-on-the-floor production.
Toward the middle of the set, Darius took a more experimental direction, mixing in breathy gospel samples and mellower beats, which only worked to negate the meticulous build of the opening half. The cerebral grooves were an interesting respite from the relentless four-on-the-floor beats, but had a jarring effect on the dance floor.
Thankfully, Darius returned to his easy dancing roots for the last part of the set, which built into a time signature-fucking closing track that merged his penchant for a good groove with his desire to move away from standard four-on-the-floor production.
