Cypher EP // Protocode Music

Despite hailing from opposite sides of the world
and each having defined careers as solo artists,
South Korea’s Xeomi and Germany’s Kaiza have a
remarkably likeminded approach to producing
drum and bass. Initially known to fans for their
respective contributions to Wobble Warriors and
T3K Recordings, the scrupulous pair have recently cemented a reputation as a formidable duo, concocting a
versatile shared discography spanning brutal neurofunk, intricate techstep and even chugging halftime
creations. Since first joining forces in 2018, the pair quickly noticed their synergy and have formed a de facto
production duo, releasing prolifically on Bad Taste, Red Light, Kosenprod and Citrus Recordings among other
labels. Their next offering, the four-track Cypher EP, marks their second outing via ProtoCode following
2019’s Mito EP, and serves as their ninth collaborative project to date.
First up on the project, the club mix of “Xero” calls upon the vocal talents of decorated New Zealand lyricist
Camo MC, who lays down rave-ready lyrics about his junglist credentials atop a bed of crunchy, distorted
basslines and unorthodox snares. Taking the gas mark up a notch on the hectic and intense “Godlike”, the
duo team up with relative newcomer and Jersey, UK native Xylym to create a brutal neurofunk stepper
dominated by juddering, oscillating basslines and ricocheting breaks.
“Talk To Me” taps the production capabilities of Italian DJ Crimson, whose vast and impressive back
catalogue includes releases on Shogun Audio, Bad Taste and Guidance Music as well as Kaiza’s T3K
Recordings. The result of this intriguing three-way collaboration is a dancefloor-friendly roller, deftly fusing
catchy vocal samples with melodic plucked basslines and darker growls. Closing the EP on a high is a full
vocal mix of “Xero”, enabling fans to enjoy an alternative version of the track featuring Camo spitting
additional lyrics over the track’s contorted drops. It’s an A&R master stroke, concluding this ambitious
international EP by ensuring that fans of one of Oceania’s finest drum and bass labels are treated to a full
display of the Canterbury MC’s barring abilities. Xeomi, Kaiza and ProtoCode have quite literally gone to the
ends of the Earth to put this project together, and the results of these global link-ups speak for themselves.

Cypher EP

Cypher EP // Protocode Music

XEOMI