Hardcore Legends Volume 6: The Sounds Of Fracus & Darwin (2026)

Martin van Zeelandt / TCD

11 minutes ago

4 min read

Oh, a new UK Hardcore mix. I have to jump on this, obviously. And there's a good reason behind it: it's an appreciation mix. If you haven't looked at the image above, or read the title of this review, it is a mix dedicated to a powerful duo, who go by the name Fracus & Darwin. And you know I'm a fan of this legendary duo, who are still producing awesome music, and for that, I thank them both. They keep us entertained with a lot of excellent music, and Infrasound decided that, for the sixth mix in this series, it would be fitting to select F&D records.

If you've missed any of the other mixes, Infrasound made mixes dedicated to Eufeion, Gammer, Brisk, Al Storm, Dougal, and Breeze & Styles. But today's focus is with the duo which I've seen a few times over the years, Fracus and Darwin. And I feel blessed to have heard them play. Even had the honour of meeting them at a small local pub in Belgium, or was it a youth hostel? I can't remember, it is too long ago.

I cannot tell when either of these producers/DJs came into my life, but it feels like a very long time. One day I've not heard the name Fracus or Darwin (besides the geologist/biologist everyone talks about), and the next they were there. Here to stay, and that's for sure. Infrasound's mix is a true dedication to the effort F&D have put into their music, and they've perfected their craft over the years. Not 'new kids' anymore, but now well established names, and a duo you should consider as one of the greatest in UKHC history. I'm just saying.

Fracus & Darwin - Just A Ride
Red Alert & Mike Slammer - In Effect (Fracus & Darwin Remix)
Visa - Holding On 4U (Fracus Remix)
Urban Cookie Collective - The Key, The Secret (Fracus Remix)
Brisk & Fracus - Clear Blue Skies
Fracus & Gavin G featuring Lisa Abbott - Open Your Eyes To Love (Darwin Remix)
Darwin & Jack In Box - Can U Feel Free
Darwin - Ardcore From The Start
Darwin & Entity - Retro Riddim
Darwin - Wicked Rock
Darwin - Retro Ravin
Darwin & Time Rhythm - Inventor Of The Wildstyle
Darwin - Lovetoy
Jack In Box & Impulse Riders - Pounding Beat
Darwin & Jack In Box - Got The Move
Impulse Riders - Fireball
Brisk & Fracus - Rok Da Bass
DJ Brisk - Airhead (Fracus & Darwin Remix)
Fracus - Hybrid
Darwin & Obie - Futureshock (Gammer Remix)
Fracus - Rezkah (Acid Mix)
Okidam - Unknown Destination (Fracus & Darwin Remix)
Darwin - Kiss The Strobelight
Fracus - To The Stars
Fracus - Project 87
Darwin - Crystals
Midas & Donna - Groove Control (Darwin 2012 Remix)
Fracus & Darwin - Ryze
Brisk & Fracus - Realplaya
Brisk & Fracus - Falling Into You
Fracus & AOS - Every Night (Happy Hardcore Mix)
Darwin & Ant Johnson - Take A Ride (Gammer Remix)
Jack In Box & Impulse Riders - Got The Love
Impulse Riders - Energy Source
Double Dutch - Unlock Ya Brain (Darwins Hardfloor Mix)
Brisk & Fracus - Code Of The Street
Impulse Riders - Exterminate
Darwin & Entity - The Underground
Darwin & Entity - Here Comes The Dreamer
Darwin - Adagio

This brings a huge smile on my face. This is pure UKHC. And I bet you my life, you cannot name another duo who has been this good for this long. And who are still pumping out new music, as a duo or solo. Name me one, I dare you.

Fracus & Darwin did capture the sound I love a lot in the early days, and they are still keeping it fresh and exciting. Obviously I loved their Hardcore Underground CDs, their own studio albums, and the many mixes over the years. I wish I could review more of their own sets, but the majority they upload, does not come with a tracklist... which is a pity.

Infrasound's mix is great. I've already devoured it multiple times, and it still sounds exciting. And for once, I'll pick THREE records out of this mix. Yes, you've read that right, three! Why three? Well, one by Fracus, one by Darwin, and one as F&D.

Fracus - To The Stars. Darwin - Ardcore From The Start. Fracus & Darwin - Ryze. Why these three? Do I really need to explain myself? They are fantastic anthems!

A solid mix, one which has been playing since 6am, and it will be a few more days until I might stop playing it. And if this is your cup of tea, check out Infrasound's other dedication mixes, worth your time.

OK, maybe one side note: a few of these records aren't my thing. 'Adagio' and 'Got The Love'. Oh, and also 'The Key, The Secret'. Sorry. But all the other 37 records are great!