Browsing Tag

Techno Producer

NI-RAVE earned a PhD in rhythmic anatomy with his techno anthem ‘Play Right’

Posted on 16 January 2025

With ‘Play Right’, NI-RAVE proves himself as a sonic architect capable of building euphoric tension and releasing it in ways that defy expectation. Hailing from Mumbai, NI-RAVE (Nirav Advani) has crafted a reputation for his versatility and profound understanding of techno’s rhythmic anatomy, synthesising electronic textures with an innate sense of pacing.

After cutting his teeth as an electronica artist at just 14, NI-RAVE has evolved from small, intimate events to prestigious international stages, with global releases on labels like YHV Records and Trippy Code Records.

‘Play Right’, a standout from his 3-track EP, Karma, featuring collaborations with techno heavyweight Datlow, pulses with kinetic energy. NI-RAVE’s meticulous progressions lead the listener into a sense-seducing frenzy of anticipation for the drops which he teases with tantalising precision, ensuring the build is just as exhilarating. His ability to subvert rhythmic expectations pushes the boundaries of the genre without losing its intrinsic dancefloor appeal.

The track’s hypnotic and subtly transformative textures echo NI-RAVE’s philosophy that techno offers a healing escape. Having shared stages with artists like Stereo Express and Almost Human, NI-RAVE is shaping the rave scene’s future with his innovative touch.

Play Right was officially released on January 3^rd and is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, as part of NI-RAVE’s 3-track EP, Karma.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rafał Przewłocki & Dr Gin summoned a sonic djinn to the dancefloor with their dark techno anthem, Sila

Posted on 21 September 2024

Rafał Przewłocki and Dr Gin conjured a sonic storm with their dark techno anthem, Sila. Like the mythical djinn from which the track takes its name, the single possesses an otherworldly magnetism that commands every moment it occupies.

The deep pulsations and nuanced shifts in momentum drive listeners beyond the edge of euphoria, an experience fuelled by the high-octane energy manifested by the experimentally luminary producer. Yet, don’t mistake experimentalism for a lack of precision; Sila is a carefully orchestrated ride through a meticulously constructed soundscape.

The Middle Eastern influence permeates the production, as ethereal Eastern vocal lines and the melancholic hum of the duduk breeze through the relentless beats. These elements open a vast expanse within the track, creating a sense of depth that leaves plenty of room to sink into its electrifying power. While the rhythmic intensity of Sila will undoubtedly flood your senses through your home speakers, it’s on the dancefloor where the full weight of the track will possess and devour your senses.

There’s a seamless interplay between the feminine and the sinister in the single which submerges listeners into its darkly atmospheric world. And with every drop, every subtle shift in rhythm, Sila teeters on the edge of chaos, while retaining a scintillating sense of control.

The official music video for Sila premiered on August 31; join the 7.4k watchers who have already caught the hype by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Darth Athena took us into the depths of techno’s shadow with ‘Black Mojo’

Posted on 25 January 2024

Dark Athena’s tempestuous latest release, Black Mojo, plunges into the depths of techno’s shadow. With its monochromatic palette, this piece from the Atlanta-based producer is a bold foray into the heart of darkwave electronica, where precision and chaos dance in a delicate balance.

Darth Athena, the architect behind this auditory odyssey, weaves a tapestry of sound that reflects his eclectic musical upbringing. From the pulsating beats of EDM to the haunting echoes of darkwave and the rhythmic complexity of jazz and R&B, Black Mojo is the culmination of a lifetime spent in the company of diverse genres.

The track’s progression is a masterclass in tension and release. Each beat is meticulously crafted, ebbing and flowing with a rhythm that seems to sync with your heartbeat. For seven minutes, you are lost in a world where time bends to the will of the music. The laser-like strobes and sci-fi motifs add a layer of dynamism, yet it’s the relentless, hypnotic beats that anchor you in Darth Athena’s universe.

Black Mojo will do more than just fill dancefloors; it will command them. It’s a siren song for the night, calling out to those who find solace in the pulsating heart of techno. As the final beat fades, you’re left with an insatiable hunger for more – a testament to the enduring power of Darth Athena’s musical alchemy.

Black Mojo was officially released on January 19; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast