#21 Top Releases in Techno (Raw / Deep / Hypnotic)

2025-01-31 Vault Records (NL)

Chlär, Hemka, Rødhåd, JSPRV35, Ignez, Lobster, Quelza, Beste Hira, Alaricø, Setaoc Mass, Cleric, Grace Dahl, Oscar Mulero, Phil Berg, BLANKA (ES), Yanamaste, Stef Mendesidis, Lars Huismann, ANNĒ, Chontane

#34 Top Releases in Electro (Classic / Detroit / Modern)

The Architects of Shadows explores the volatile undercurrents shaping todays polarized world, where extremes on all sides vie for influence and control. Against a backdrop of rising nationalism, digital echo chambers, and deepening distrust, each track captures a stage in the gradual radicalization of society. Through dark, immersive soundscapes, the album delves into how unseen architects exploit fear, amplify division, and pull the strings of public sentiment, leading society toward ideological extremes. The Architects of Shadows invites listeners to confront the forces behind the fracturing of Western societies in an era marked by profound political and cultural polarization.

Chlär

#52 Top Releases in Techno (Raw / Deep / Hypnotic)

Mutual Rytm welcome back Swiss DJ/producer Chlär for a bustling, high-octane return as he unveils hislatest six-track EP, 'Intrinsic Drive'. Swiss artist and mastering engineer Chlär's last outing on Mutual Rytm, his 'Optimized Grooves' EP, was a stand-out success that made an impact far and wide across the techno realm. It was another big step for the fast-rising producer, who is also a dexterous DJ that plays across three and even four decks in the club. A craftsman of sounds, his take on techno is full throttle and has come on labels like Iceland's NIX and Stranger's Self Reflektion imprint. Always looking to improve his sounds, he hits a perfect sweet spot with a fresh and visionary approach across six fresh productions with his 'Intrinsic Drive' EP, again showcasing exemplary creative progression in his ever-impressing production skills. Up first is 'Dopamine Rush', a quickened techno pumper with synths peeling off the straight-ahead drums and locking you into a state of hypnosis. The title track 'Intrinsic Drive' is a tightly woven mix of drums, hits and bass that never lets up, while the supple rhythm is overlaid with alien sound designs to up the intensity. 'For Marco' takes a heavier path with darkened and more weighty kick drums under eerie synth loops. There is a real swing in the drums of 'Steady Pace' as the crisp hits and vocal fragments all up the ante, before 'Greedy Man' delivers a tough panel beater with skewed synths and an industrial undertone. Digital bonus 'May I Dance?' rounds things out with raw textures and unhinged loops that take you to the heart of a strobe-lit dance floor, shaping up another mighty fine statement of intent from the ever more vital Swiss native.

Chlär