Doug Loch’s latest release, Dark Storm, marks a turning point in the Australian-based Scottish producer’s creative trajectory. Known for his melodic sensibilities and finely tuned arrangements, Loch dives into darker and more emotionally charged territory this time around. The result is a track that fuses cinematic intensity with dancefloor immediacy—a compelling hybrid of progressive house and melodic techno.
At the heart of Dark Storm is a chord progression that Loch describes as arriving “through my fingers” during a late-night Liveschool session in Sydney. That spontaneity is tangible in the final product; the main riff—shifting between minor and major keys—evokes both tension and release, giving the track a complex emotional center. Loch’s decision to preserve this initial spark rather than refine it into something more polished is a testament to his evolving confidence as a composer.
Complementing the bold harmonics is a distinctive staccato piano arpeggio that drives momentum while creating a rhythmic counterpoint to the synth layers. But it’s the wave sample, captured on his phone and layered into the drop, that stands out as one of the track’s most human touches. In a genre that often leans toward the synthetic, this field recording brings a breath of nature—an element of chaos meeting control.
Also included with the release is a remix by Australian electronic legend Danny Bonnici, which has already found a global audience thanks to support from Hernan Cattaneo. The remix amps up the energy while preserving the emotional depth of the original—making Dark Storm a rare example of a single where both versions feel essential. It’s a testament to the track’s adaptability and broad appeal.
Released via his own label, People Like Us Music, Dark Storm is a bold step forward for Loch as an artist and curator. With upcoming festival appearances and a growing reputation both in Sydney and abroad, this release feels less like a detour into darkness and more like the beginning of a signature sound. Doug Loch isn’t just riding the storm—he’s learning how to conduct it.
