i_o Releases First of Three EPs off Upcoming Project 444

If there’s one artist who’s had a successful year it’s i_o. From EDC Las Vegas and Orlando to Electric Zoo to Beyond Wonderland, i_o’s dark techno sounds were brought from the underground to the mainstage in 2019. In September, he released his collaboration with Canadian singer, songwriter Grimes, titled “Silence” which received over 8 million streams on Spotify and in August he released his House of God EP  which received over 2 million streams. He’s certainly been killing it lately and to really end the year right, on November 22, he released his second EP of the year, ACID 444. This EP is the first of a series of three EPs that will be a part of his upcoming 444 album. There is no release date for the next EPs nor the album, but 444 will be released on Deadmau5 label, Mau5trap. 

ACID 444 is dark, trippy, and rhythmically hypnotic. Each song on the four track EP uses acid sounds that give off an experimental, yet perfectly danceable vibe. The best example of this acid sound is the first song on ACID 444, “Kill Process” which combines the fierce sounds of i_o’s other techno tracks like “Low” and “Come With Me” with a new, distinct style. The next song on the EP, “Rave 444”, is already a fan favorite and has a traditional rave sound that will give you serious nostalgia. A retro synth plays out a catchy melody that evolves throughout the entire song, while a ferocious kick keeps the energy alive. If you like your bass hard-hitting, definitely check out the third song on ACID 444, “Replicate”. A four-on-the-floor techno drum beat opens up the track and slowly transitions into one of the most unique drops i_o has crafted so far. A surprisingly, heavy psytrance bass alongside classic techno percussion hits on the drop and will make you feel like you’re in the middle of a dimly-lit warehouse rave. “System Error” is the final song on ACID 444 and is a continuation of the retro, acid techno sounds of the first three tracks. “System Error” also features trippy vocals at the beginning of each drop that are sure to catch everyone’s attention. ACID 444 is one of i_o’s most original and creative EPs to date and his musical growth is evident in every track. Let’s hope we get plenty more acid techno tracks from i_o in 2020.

Connect with i_o: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud