DIRK DA DAVO

Dirk Da Davo’s Running Up The Hillside marks another potent entry in his solo output, leaning hard into his industrial/EBM roots while still pushing forward. The title track is built around a rumbling bassline, pounding beats, and gritty vocals — there’s a visceral tension in the production that captures the struggle implied by the lyrics: “Running up the hillside / I can hardly breathe …”

What sets this release apart are the remixes by Formshift (Netherlands) and Mass Formation Audio (UK). Formshift gives the song a more techno-dancefloor sheen, sharpening its edges with aggressive synths and more polished electronic textures. Mass Formation Audio opts for darker, more angular reworkings, twisting the song into something more raw and industrial-EBM in spirit.

Although it’s relatively short (the original mix is about 3:15) and digital only, Running Up The Hillside shines as a tight, uncompromising statement. It doesn’t reinvent Dirk Da Davo’s wheel, but it reminds you why he remains relevant: his ability to channel frustration, energy, and craft into something dance-able yet emotionally charged.

Verdict: For fans of industrial, EBM, or darker electronic music, this EP delivers strong material. The originals and remixes each offer a different facet, making the release more than just its title track.

Hamis HIREK
16/09/2025