2010 was a sonically remarkable year for Skatebård, the Norwegian producer of all things electronic. Connoisseurs know that his catalogue oscillates between emotional techno, neo-italo, electro from an alternative future and a Scando-cosmic reinterpretation of pure Detroitian house, and so far this past year we've already seen Skatebård paint several shades of electric on his musical canvas. On his recent vinyl singles on quality labels like Luna Flicks and Annie's Totally (and his secret incognito summer vinyl release!), as well as on his musically pluralistic compilation of remixes entitled Remix You, Remix Me, Skatebård engaged listeners all year long in his ever idiosyncratic take on contemporary electronic dance music. And while winter is still lingering over Skatebård's studio, he now kick-starts 2011 with the single Donko Donko (DENT05) on Digitalo Enterprises. In this insistently rhythmic production you are trapped between a marching electro bassline, a giant snare drum and hypnotic synthesizers of epic nature. Therein, his Skateness returns to the sonic landscapes that turned labels, listeners and loaded dancefloors onto his productions at the turn of the millennium - although in an updated and forward-looking shape. It is the sound of a life-form evolving into a more sophisticated and fit version of itself. The initial impression of Donko Donko takes you back to the days when electro was electro, although carrying in its womb a seed of string-heavy techno. At the risk of being to specific, the title track feels like it could have been included on Dave Clarke's classic mix record World Service - given that Clarke had mixed the record on an Arctic glacier in the year 2045. Donko Donko is no nonsense electro-techno, an impression strengthened by the succinctness of the two remixes that complete the release. The former, authored by the mysterious H.R., takes the strings as point of departure before venturing into a watertight rhythmic exercise that whips the track into its own wicked alter-ego. Or should one say Alter Donko. The latter remix, courtesy of Permanent Vacation favorites Jackpot, straight outta Stockholms Län, slows the track down for a tenaciously intense body music feel. Oddly, it seems as if the remix increases in its 4/4-ness through the duration of the track. It sounds like dark sex and nocturnal downtown traffic. Not only is Donko Donko the most onomatopoetically appropriate title you'll ever hear, it also signifies the almost tribalistic and primal efficiency of the track's suggestive rhythm and otherworldly melodic journey. Donko Donko bears witness of exciting things to come - and, indeed, rumor has it that Skatebård will release a follow-up single exactly entitled Things to Come within weeks of the Donko Donko release. Prepare your ears and bodies. Skatebård's 2011 started a long time ago. Make sure you keep up.