Hey there, fellow groove chasers! If you've been scrolling through your feeds lately, you've probably noticed the underground buzz around hardgroove techno making a serious comeback. That '90s subgenre vibe – think relentless kicks, layered percussion that hits like a freight train, and samples that loop you into oblivion – is everywhere in 2025's club scene. It's got this raw, driving energy that's perfect for those endless warehouse raves or just powering through a Monday morning playlist. And right in the thick of it? Melbourne's own darby, who's flipping the script on her signature sound with 'NONSTOP,' her latest drop on the killer NIGHTMODE label. If you're into techno music that doesn't let up, this one's got your name on it.
Let's rewind a sec on darby, because this track feels like a bold pivot from her usual lane, and I'm here for it. Born Rebecca Jade O'Brien, she's a singer-songwriter, producer, and visual artist straight out of Melbourne, Australia. Her most recent big release, the lo-fi dream pop album Wonderbeams, was all about weaving futuristic vibes with that cozy warmth of analogue gear – melodies that linger like a half-remembered dream, lyrics pulling from her real-life ups and downs. It's the kind of record that invites you to curl up and reflect on modern chaos, blending indie pop with electronic soft rock in a way that's equal parts introspective and immersive. No wonder the Triple J crew couldn't get enough: "Sophisticated and restrained..." raved Stephen Goodhew. Claire Mooney called it "a journey... clever, hypnotising and gorgeous storytelling." Bridget Hustwaite saw it as "a promising taste of the upcoming debut album," while Declan Byrne nailed it as "...classic in the best way possible, it commands your attention in bursts throughout." High praise from the Aussies who know, right?
But darby's not one to stay boxed in – that's what makes her magic. Enter 'NONSTOP,' a straight-up hardgroove techno heater that's all about the pulse. Clocking in at a heart-racing 140 BPM in D Minor, this extended mix runs just under four minutes but feels infinite, thanks to those signature hardgroove elements: thunderous kicks that anchor everything, syncopated percussion grooves weaving in samba-like rhythms and bongo hits for that infectious swing, and smart sample flips that keep the energy spiking without ever tipping into chaos. It's peak-time driving techno at its finest – the kind that builds tension like a coiled spring, perfect for those peak-hour sets where the crowd's lost in the rhythm. Dropping via NIGHTMODE on May 1st this year, it's darby's way of nodding to her electronic roots while pushing into harder territories. Imagine trading Wonderbeams' hazy introspection for a floor-filler that demands you move; it's like darby took her melodic flair and cranked the distortion dial to 11.
What I love about this shift is how it taps into the broader electronic wave right now. Hardgroove techno's resurgence isn't just nostalgia – it's evolving with fresh producers layering in modern production tricks, making it a staple in 2025's techno tracks lineup. From Berlin's underground bunkers to Melbourne's hidden laneway parties, artists like darby are bridging that gap between dreamy pop experiments and sweat-soaked dancefloors. It's a reminder that the best music defies labels, pulling from personal stories (those internal and external threads she weaves so well) to create soundscapes that hit different every time you spin 'em. If you're building a playlist for the next festival or just need something to blast on a solo drive, 'NONSTOP' slots right in – gritty, groovy, and unapologetically alive.
Darby's evolution here has me buzzing for what's next. Will we see more hardgroove bangers sneaking into her catalog, or is this a one-off detour? Either way, it's proof that Melbourne's electronic scene is firing on all cylinders, churning out talent that's as innovative as it is accessible. Props to NIGHTMODE for giving it the platform it deserves – that label's got an eye for the cuts that stick.
Alright, tune in, turn it up, and let 'NONSTOP' take over your speakers. What's your take – does darby's techno twist have you hooked, or are you still riding the Wonderbeams wave? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, share this if it sparked something, and let's keep the convo going. Who knows, your fave might inspire the next submission spotlight.
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