CHRIS PASCOE — Darkside

Chris Pascoe – Darkside opens the Slow-Wave SW10 12-inch vinyl with a concise statement of tech-house precision. The release arrives as the label’s tenth offering, a vinyl-only cut that follows a series of Dexter-led outings and builds on Pascoe’s recent SW9 collaboration with Daniel Poli. Darkside’s two tracks, “Darside” and “Cocaine”, showcase the label’s penchant for stripped-back grooves that sit comfortably in both peak-time and late-night slots. Within Slow-Wave’s catalogue, Darkside follows the earlier “Dogbite” (SW9) – also a Pascoe production – and slots between Dexter’s “Blue Tack” (SW8) and “Metaphysical Fabric” (SW11), the latter slated for a later release. The label’s 2026 output has been marked by a focus on kinetic, rhythm-centric releases, and Darkside continues that trajectory while adding Pascoe’s own melodic edge. Side A opens with “Darside”, a track that leans into the darker side of tech-house with a driving pulse and a subtle, evolving texture. Its structure provides a solid platform for mixing, allowing DJs to layer percussive elements or transition from deeper, moodier selections. The B-side, “Cocaine”, picks up the momentum with a tighter, more propulsive rhythm that lends itself to peak-time energy, yet retains the understated vibe that characterises the record as a whole. For Pascoe, Darkside arrives after the SW9 “Dogbite” collaboration and the “Mong Juice / Trippy Breakfast” release on Evasive Records (EVA013). While those outings explored more experimental terrain, Darkside returns to a focused, dancefloor-ready approach, reinforcing Pascoe’s command of groove within the tech-house framework. In the context of Slow-Wave’s 2026 roster, the record reinforces the label’s commitment to vinyl-only productions that prioritize tactile, DJ-centric experiences. The two tracks complement the label’s recent releases, offering a balance of hypnotic repetition and rhythmic drive that aligns with contemporary underground club aesthetics. From a DJ’s perspective, the record’s concise two-track format makes it a flexible tool: “Darside” works as a warm-up or a bridge between deeper cuts, while “Cocaine” can be deployed to raise the energy in the latter part of a set. Collectors will appreciate the exclusivity of a vinyl-only issue that marks a milestone for the label without resorting to gimmickry. The release is presented as an exclusive vinyl 12-inch, matching the format of the label’s earlier offerings. Its straightforward pressing underscores the focus on sound quality and DJ utility rather than ancillary packaging. Chris Pascoe – Darkside, Slow-Wave SW10, exclusive 12-inch vinyl, two tracks. Tracklist: A1. Chris Pascoe – Darside B1. Chris Pascoe – Cocaine