Circa 2000 - Impact Driver Download (Track review)

Impact Driver Download is the ambitious new single from Brighton based songwriter and producer William Wiffen. On his new track, released under his Circa 2000 moniker, Wiffen continues to push boundaries with his signature blend of techno, ambient, electronica and pop. Released via Simonie Records, Impact Driver Download is the first single of a three part multimedia release that tackles the concept of how technology is increasingly intruding on our day to day lives. The series of tracks also features a corresponding art installation website, which together with the music, creates a truly unique audio / visual experience. You can visit the art installation here.

As Impact Driver Download begins you are first greeted with a menacing drone sound which then quickly dissolves into a spacey techno beat, similar to something you would hear on Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works 85 – 92. The track cleverly builds up a haunting atmosphere which is complimented by the brilliant vocal work from Wiffen. His voice sits perfectly on top of the music creating a truly ominous sound as the song begins to build up momentum. When the chorus hits, it releases the tension in this huge nostalgic and euphoric change of pace. It’s at this point in the song where the synth pop elements truly come into play, with the chorus sounding almost like something you would hear on a classic Depeche Mode track. The track is both danceable and moody, at times even bordering on a gothic sound.  Impact Driver Download also benefits from some perfectly mixed backing vocals from Hannah Hayden, professionally known as Platonica Erotica. Both vocals mesh together perfectly with Hayden’s vocals sitting quieter in the mix and just adding to the tracks overall evocative and chilling mood.

Circa 2000 has really made something special on Impact Driver Download, this track shows great growth as an artist and has allowed Wiffen to truly come into his own musically and creatively. This release perfectly reflects the social mood of the modern day, capturing the bleakness that many feel at the moment and channeling it into something profound and beautiful. Impact Driver Download is truly a raw blast of carefully cultivated emotion and social commentary and leaves the listener in anticipation for the next two parts of the trilogy.

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