Hardcore / Softcore

Ask the DJ/production duo DESIGNER DRUGS how many air miles they've logged over the past year and the answer requires more than a bit of calculating. "Over 300,000," Michael Vincent Patrick referencing numerous spots around the world where the group has performed. "I have a really nice apartment in New York City, but I've only been there three days this month." It's a testament both to the duo's popularity and work ethic that that number may become the annual norm. After nearly 50 remixes for everyone from Mariah Carey to Annie to Thieves Like Us, the diverse electronic group, comprised of Patrick and Theodore Paul Nelson, is set to release their debut album HARDCORE/SOFTCORE. On Hardcore/Softcore, numerous sounds saddle up against each other, proving the title's veracity. The punishing electro-industrial punk of "Dead Meat" and grinding, pounding beat of club bangers "Face Melter" and "The Terror" provide contrast to the pop vocals of Norwegian singer Annie on "Crazy For You" and fist-pumping up-tempo anthem "Into The Light." Elsewhere, the classic electro-funk of "Leather Gang" sits comfortably against the Italo-shoegaze of "For All We Know" and lead single "Through The Prism", the electro classic featuring Cerebral Vortex.