Canadian producer Eekkoo has been on a steady rise ever since Deadmau5 discovered him on Soundcloud and signed him to Mau5trap Records. His grinding beats and noticeably dark interpretation of progressive house is not only unique, but the result of absolutely pristine production – and it REALLY shows on his excellent new EP ‘Hell is Other People.’

You’re instantly drawn in by seductive opener ‘Elysium’ with its deep, driving bass and a steaming beat. The sleek rhythm slithers under the radar of Sailor & I’s eerie guest vocals – they’re top-heavy, a little creepy and a perfect complement to the bass. The leathery lilt had me listening to this track about ten times over when I first heard it – and I still find it irresistible. Some prog-heads may not dig the vocals as much (head to Beatport for an exclusive instrumental version of the track), but fear not – “B.L.A.C.K.” is the track for you. Racing through nearly five minutes of beats and builds, topped with a signature industrial crunch, it is not for the faint-hearted.

The EP dives into a hazy valley with “Dom Cobb,” which has a little more oxygen flowing through it. We’re out of industrial country, well past the prog-house border now. And while the murky depth still looms in every shadow and every beat, the synths echo and trickle their way around a far gentler soundscape. It’s kind of like he’s loosened his grip, un-furrowed his brows and let the music take a little more freedom. Subtle syncopations, creepy vocal samples and a rich piano really add a lot to this track. It’s a welcome breath of air before plunging back into the deep lagoon.

Title track ‘Hell is Other People’ is, admittedly, my least favourite – it just misses the mark for me. I really like the hard-hitting bass, and the melodic breakdown mid-way is sure to draw in the festival crowd. But to be totally honest, the tinny synths and heady samples don’t really do it for me. This one screams for a huuuuuge bass-crazed remix, that’s for sure – and I would DEFINITELY listen to that. Final track ‘Skeptic’ closes the album on a prog-heavy note. With a serious drill of a powerful-yet-fleeting bass and beats, topped with restrained synths, this is the thing of smoky clubs and late, late nights.

‘Hell Is Other People’ is out NOW on Mau5trap.

Stream the whole thing right here:

You can buy it here or here. For more info, head to Eekkoo’s Facebook, Soundcloud or Twitter