Max HeyraudThis week’s Mix of the Week features a 2-hour live recording from London’s enigmatic club night, UNFOLD, where Belfast’s AOIFE masterfully weaves together surging, muscular techno and electro.
Disconnekt resident AOIFE made her second appearance at UNFOLD, one of the most sought-after club nights in the world right now. Known for its queer-focused ethos, unannounced lineup, selective door entry, and immaculate sound system, UNFOLD has earned comparisons to legendary clubs like Berghain and Bassiani. With its booking policies reserved for only the best of the best, AOIFE’s return to this flagship London party further solidifies her place as one of the best DJs to come out of Belfast in recent times.
The mix, spanning just over two hours, is almost hard to believe as a live recording, as AOIFE flawlessly weaves through warped techno grooves with very few blemishes. She seamlessly pairs twisted synth lines with meandering soundscapes, taking you on a head-scrambling, dizzying trip through Pole Group and Non Series-adjacent techno. AOIFE expertly drags you from one vast, cavernous soundscape to the next, keeping you locked into the journey for the full duration.
AOIFE’s timing is poised and agile, allowing her selections to float effortlessly as she lets the tracks breathe and gradually get to know one another. Favouring long, lingering blends, each track melts seamlessly into the next. Sprawling arpeggio synths collide with deep, robust bass grooves while trudging textures meet soaring soundscapes, creating a near-wall of sound that feels as if it’s something you could jump into or even bite. This is a techno mix delivered with utter proficiency.