When nostalgia meets modern production, magic happens—and that’s exactly what Alex Sonata & TheRio have delivered with their official cover of the iconic early 2000s electro anthem, “The Drill.” Originally released in 2000, “The Drill” was a trailblazer, captivating dance floors with its infectious, looping hook and hypnotic groove. Fast forward to 2025, and the Scottish-Italian duo breathes new life into this classic, debuting their reimagined version in front of a roaring crowd of 12,000 fans at ABGT600 in Mexico City. The result? A masterclass in blending timeless vibes with contemporary melodic house and techno flair.
Clocking in at 126 BPM, Alex Sonata & TheRio’s rendition maintains the signature rhythmic pulse of the original while layering it with lush melodic textures and deep, resonant basslines. The track pulses with an undeniable energy, its percussive elements crisply balanced against soaring synths that build and release tension with impeccable precision. The duo’s progressive trance roots subtly shine through, adding an emotive depth that complements the track’s driving, techy undertones.
Fraser Shaw and Riccardo Derio, better known as Alex Sonata & TheRio, first began their production journey together in 2018. Officially emerging as a duo in 2020, they quickly carved out a niche within the trance and melodic techno scenes. Their Anjunabeats debut, “Time,” released as part of the Anjunabeats Rising series in 2021, marked the beginning of a stellar trajectory. Since then, they’ve crafted dance floor anthems like “Are We Dreaming,” “Cala Luna,” and “Breath Of The Wild,” earning widespread support from legends like Above & Beyond, Armin van Buuren, and Ferry Corsten.
In 2023, their track “Mantra” became a festival staple, with standout plays at Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas and London’s iconic Printworks. Their collaborations with Elevven (“Hanalei”) and trance titan Giuseppe Ottaviani (“Tears Of The Kingdom”) further showcased their versatility. Their Anjunabeats Worldwide 11 compilation even shot to #1 on the US iTunes Dance chart, cementing their status as rising stars.
⭐️ Rating: 9/10
🎧 Perfect For:
- Peak-time festival sets
- High-energy club nights
- Any playlist that thrives on euphoric build-ups and pulsating beats.
“The Drill vs. Alex Sonata & TheRio – The Drill” is more than just a cover; it celebrates dance music’s evolution. The duo skillfully bridges generations, appealing to fans of the original while captivating new listeners with their polished, modern production. It’s a track that feels equally at home on massive festival stages and intimate underground clubs, thanks to its versatile groove and infectious energy.
Artist: The Drill, Alex Sonata & TheRio
Track: The Drill
Label: Anjunabeats
Release Date: February 07th 2025
Get your copy here: https://anjunabeats.co/4v5lx83.oyd
Connect with Alex Sonata & TheRio:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexsonatatherio
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sonata_therio
Connect with Anjunabeats:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anjunabeats
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/anjunabeats
Take a listen to The Drill vs. Alex Sonata & TheRio – The Drill here: