USUK is a collaborative project between Mark EG and Chad Stegall who together make driving techno tracks that are rich with melody.
With a career that stretches back to the ‘90s, Mark EG is a techno-focused DJ and producer hailing from the UK. He is well-established on the European club scene and has released music on labels such as Hydraulix, Planet Rhythm and Yin Yang.
Chad Stegall is an American keyboard and synth composer who when working solo, has produced progressive house tracks for labels such as Udopia Recordings and Dear Deer.
The duo’s combined sound as USUK fuses the peak time energy of Mark EG’s style with Chad Stegall’s mastery of melody and they recently dropped their debut album ‘Fear the Sound’.
Fear the Sound starts with an ambient intro that slowly fades into a kick drum underneath dystopian chords and rich synths that float away on the wings of a spacious delay effect.
After the intro track sets the scene, the intensity starts to build with “Murder State (An Ode to John Carpenter)” which has pulsating synths and police radio samples that together create an intense sense of urgency that fills the listener with excitement.
At this point, the album should have your attention and then it doesn’t disappoint from then onward, as each track tells its own little story that fits a larger narrative.
It must be mentioned that all the tracks have been made with a dance floor in mind, which is presumably Mark EG’s influence, but Chad Stegall’s synths are truly epic.
“Mind Machine (Modulator)” is perhaps the pinnacle of the release, where the arpeggio and pad combination join with the acid-top synth to create a nice energy that is both cinematic and dancefloor focused.
It’s a very accomplished release that shows the years of experience these guys have in their respective repertoires.
You can buy a copy HERE.
