BACKBONE delivers a high-impact fusion of drum and bass, breakbeat, and techno in this EP, where old-school grit collides with the pulse of the unknown. Relentless percussion and heavy basslines drive a soundscape of tension and release, where industrial textures dissolve into space and chaos reshapes into new forms. Rooted in rave culture yet reimagined for the now, this is movement in its purest form—raw, unpredictable, and unrelenting.

Written, mixed and produced by Afonso Esperança
Art by Tiago Soares da Costa
Mastered by João Rodrigues at Tema Mastering
Format: Digital
Release Date October 10, 2025

Learning Curve EP

Bookings - hello@vinculum.pt
https://www.vinculum.pt/
Promos - backbone.doppler@gmail.com


Backbone is the alias of Afonso, a Portuguese DJ, producer, and founder of Vinculum Festival. With deep roots in both the raw energy of Jungle/Drum & Bass and the hypnotic structure of techno, his sound reflects a lifelong devotion to rhythm and experimentation. Born in Mondim de Basto and shaped by the underground scenes of Porto and beyond, Backbone blends driving baselines, atmospheric textures, and percussive intensity into DJ sets that are as physical as they are cerebral.

His journey includes acclaimed releases on labels such as Counterchange, Nechto, and Contempo Music, as well as a standout contribution to a VA on Mutual Rytm. In 2025, he launched his own imprint, Crulight Records, as a home for raw, unpredictable, and forward-thinking techno explorations.

As the mind behind Vinculum Festival — a mountain-based gathering now known for booking some of techno's most vital voices — Backbone continues to shape a forward-thinking and deeply personal vision of electronic music, both in the studio and behind the decks.

BACKBONE / CRULIGHT Records

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