Peddling their sounds on trend setting drum & bass labels such as Blackout, Cause4Concern and Bad Taste, production outfit Instinkt came under the radar of label figurehead Optiv, primarily through one of his historic outlets. However, this time Optiv welcomes one of its members for their individual Bytecode project, which sees the producer branch out and create his own brand. Optiv opens him up to world of Red Light Records, an imprint which he spearheads and one which has helped navigate the direction which drum & bass’ dirtier tides have taken over recent years.
‘Flux’ and ‘Disruption’ are just two of many ways in which Bytecode will infiltrate music spaces over the coming months. After previously releasing through Red Light Records on their ‘Compound Volume 2’ compilation EP, through his Tomtek pseudonym, he’s embarking on a new venture through launching his ‘Bytecode’ alias on the same platform.
The forthcoming single from Bytecode will be his first standalone release and it already makes a statement. It’s a statement which will only heighten interest around him as a producer – both ‘Flux’ and ‘Disruption’ are of an enviable standard and they cater to modern tastes through each rolling, punching groove. Described as an artist who ‘continually seeks to push boundaries’ whilst ‘consistently delivering sonics with mathematical and surgical precision’, the refined compositions of Bytecode show themselves through every slab of music he pulls from his studio. ‘Flux’ is a turbulent ride, one signposted by orchestral patches and tumbling beats. One drum pound then builds into the next, as you’re taken along for the ride. As it crashes into play, each bleating horn and rattling percussive layer kicks into motion. ‘Disruption’ again creates a movie-like backdrop, as you’re taken deeper and deeper into its throes. Before long the track implodes, leaving you to freefall through its cleverly placed hooks and catchy drum designs. Not only does Bytecode show that he’s fully aware of his audience and their tastes, but he also injects a style which is globally celebrated.

RLDIG047 - Bytecode - Flux

Flux

Bytecode - Flux (Original Mix) - Red Light Records [RLDIG047]

Bytecode - Disruption (Original Mix) - Red Light Records [RLDIG047]

Red Light Records was set up in 2003 by Optiv from Cause4Concern. All of the artwork is by John Hicklenton (who is known well by his work for 2000 AD magazine).

You can also submit tracks via email to optiv@hotmail.com