By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Berlin, the epicenter of global electronic music, has long been a space where the boundaries between art and activism blur. In a significant new contribution to this tradition, Yazzus and DJ TOOL have announced the release of a high-profile various artists benefit compilation titled ‘The Evil B-Side Twins & Friends.’ Launched via the Evil Twin Rekords imprint, the project represents more than just a collection of dance floor weapons; it is a calculated effort to leverage the influence of the international techno community to provide tangible support for humanitarian and legal causes. The nine-track release features a curated selection of some of the most forward-thinking names in contemporary electronic music, including D. Tiffany, Roza Terenzi, Cora, Hyperaktivist, Nene H, and Jensen Interceptor, with each track serving as a collaborative effort between the core duo and their invited guests.
The project is the latest evolution of the "Evil B-Side Twins" moniker, a collaborative alias formed by Yazzus and DJ TOOL that first caught the industry’s attention in September of last year with their debut EP, ‘Relentless Spirit.’ While that initial release established their shared sonic language—a high-octane blend of industrial grit, hard-dance energy, and intricate rhythmic programming—this new compilation expands the scope of their vision. By inviting a diverse array of peers into their creative orbit, the duo has crafted a release that functions as a panoramic view of the current underground landscape, all while maintaining a singular focus on a pressing social objective.
All proceeds generated from the sale of the compilation are earmarked for 3ezwa, a grassroots organization dedicated to providing essential legal and financial assistance to individuals in Germany who have faced institutional or professional repression due to their vocal support for Palestine. In the current socio-political climate of Western Europe, particularly within the cultural hubs of Germany, the intersection of artistic expression and political discourse has become increasingly fraught. By directing funds to 3ezwa, Yazzus and DJ TOOL are addressing a specific need within their immediate community, supporting the right to assembly and the protection of civil liberties for those navigating complex legal challenges.
In a joint statement accompanying the release, the duo expressed deep gratitude for the collaborative spirit that defined the production process. They described ‘The Evil B-Side Twins & Friends’ as a "mega collaboration project," noting that each of the nine tracks was infused with their signature "evil touch" alongside the "crazy unique flair" of their guest contributors. The result is a collection that feels cohesive yet unpredictable, bridging the gap between various sub-genres of electronic music. The duo emphasized that the urgency of the release is underscored by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestine, urging their audience to support the project not just for the music, but for the vital resources it will provide.
The roster of artists involved in the compilation reads like a who’s-who of modern club culture. D. Tiffany and Roza Terenzi, both central figures in the resurgence of progressive house and breakbeat-infused techno, bring a sophisticated sense of atmosphere and groove to the project. Their involvement signals the high level of respect Yazzus and DJ TOOL command within the global circuit. Similarly, the inclusion of Nene H and Hyperaktivist—artists known for their uncompromising, high-energy sets and deep ties to the Berlin queer and underground scenes—adds a layer of intensity and cultural weight to the tracklist. Jensen Interceptor, a master of modern electro and EBM-tinged sounds, further diversifies the sonic palette, ensuring that the compilation appeals to a broad spectrum of electronic music enthusiasts.
Yazzus, a London-born, Berlin-based artist, has seen her profile rise exponentially over the last few years. Known for her ability to weave together disparate influences—ranging from early 2000s hard house to contemporary high-speed techno—she has become a staple at major festivals and underground institutions alike. Her penchant for reimagining the past was notably showcased last year when she released an edits pack featuring high-energy versions of tracks by Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, and Madonna. This ability to tap into the collective nostalgia of the dance floor while pushing production boundaries is a hallmark of her work, and it remains a driving force within the ‘Evil B-Side Twins’ project.
DJ TOOL, her partner in this endeavor, brings a complementary set of skills and a deep-rooted connection to the Berlin scene. As a key figure within the Mala Junta collective, DJ TOOL has been instrumental in championing a specific brand of fast-paced, groove-heavy techno that prioritizes community and safe spaces. His approach to DJing and production is characterized by a relentless momentum, a quality that is palpably present throughout the new compilation. Together, Yazzus and DJ TOOL represent a powerful creative synergy, blending technical precision with a raw, club-ready aesthetic.
The release of ‘The Evil B-Side Twins & Friends’ via Bandcamp is a strategic choice that reflects the platform’s role as a primary tool for independent artists and benefit releases. By bypassing traditional streaming models that offer minimal returns for creators and causes, the duo ensures that the maximum possible percentage of every sale goes directly to 3ezwa. This "direct-to-cause" model has become increasingly popular in the electronic music world, where artists often feel a responsibility to use their platforms for social good.
Musically, the compilation is expected to be a masterclass in modern collaboration. The "Evil Twins" production style—often characterized by distorted basslines, sharp percussion, and a sense of looming tension—provides a sturdy foundation for the guest artists to build upon. Whether it is the psychedelic textures of a Roza Terenzi collaboration or the driving, industrial-tinged rhythms of a Nene H track, the compilation promises a journey through the many facets of the contemporary "hard" sound. It captures a moment in time where the tempo of the dance floor has accelerated, and the music has become more aggressive, perhaps reflecting the turbulent world outside the club walls.
Beyond the music, the project highlights the ongoing debate regarding the role of cultural workers in political movements. For many in the Berlin scene, the act of making music is inseparable from the act of engaging with the world. The city’s club culture has its roots in the post-reunification era, where abandoned spaces became sites of both sonic experimentation and social reorganization. By releasing this benefit compilation, Yazzus and DJ TOOL are continuing that legacy, asserting that the dance floor can be a site of solidarity and a source of material support for those in need.
As the situation in Palestine continues to dominate international headlines, the electronic music community has seen a wave of similar initiatives, ranging from individual track sales to massive multi-label compilations. However, the specific focus of ‘The Evil B-Side Twins & Friends’ on 3ezwa provides a unique localized perspective, highlighting the repercussions of activism within the European diaspora and the importance of legal defense funds. It serves as a reminder that the impact of global conflicts is felt deeply within local creative communities, prompting artists to take action in the ways they know best.
The compilation is available now for digital purchase, offering fans a chance to own a piece of this collaborative milestone while contributing to a cause that the artists hold dear. As the electronic music world continues to navigate its role in a changing global landscape, projects like ‘The Evil B-Side Twins & Friends’ stand as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring link between the rhythm of the drum machine and the pulse of social justice. Through this release, Yazzus, DJ TOOL, and their circle of "friends" have created a sonic document that is as politically charged as it is musically innovative, ensuring that their "evil touch" leaves a positive mark on the world.