Indonesian standout talent Ecilo returns with a powerful four-track release on seminal Swedish techno imprint Planet Rhythm.
Following up his strong outing on We Are the Brave (DE review here), and what could possibly be a career-defining album release on Jeff Mills’ Axis Records, Indonesia’s Reza Putra Ananda aka Ecilo delivers another full slab of techno on Planet Rhythm. Founded in the 90s by Glen Wilson, PR has been a driving force in Swedish and European techno, boasting a dizzying array of talent over the years including Matrixxman and Yan Cook. Ecilo, known for consistency, genre-fluidity, and a wide range of rooted influences, navigates both sci-fi terrain and classic techno themes with style and balance.
The EP, his second on Planet Rhythm, unfolds with the title track “Saturn Landscapes.” As a Robert Hood-esque synth line filters in, a truly earth-shattering kick drum takes center stage and introduces us to this moody roller. Three carefully carved hat lines slowly unravel, as a lonely clap accents each loop. The hypnotic synths churn with the constant, slow, LFO-controlled filter sweeps, conjuring neverending storms on Saturn, kinetic drama, fantastic tension, and slow-motion cyclones. Saturn Landscapes indeed.
“Battalion Brothers” immediately machines into distorted 909 kicks, a nastier, sleazier sound. Whip sharp synths snap back and forth, a space opera unfolding in the deep nethers of a far galaxy. The sound is mesmerizing, militant, immaculately mixed, trance inducing. The main synth is slippery, percussive, dynamic, constantly morphing, like an alien shapeshifter, bouncing and sliding with the pulse of the groove, a jetstream of effortless rhythm and psychedelia, a masterclass in squeezing every bit of dynamics and performance out of one incredible sound.
“Delta State” comes a bit back down to earth, characterized by a hypnotic housey riff that is as much dissonant as it is syncopated in a subtle, but present way. Clearly a nod to proper deep house, Ecilo here showcases his range and love for soul and funk. As the main synth riff expands and grows, stretches and filters, envelopes constantly working, a string pad elevates the vibe, as only house string pads do, providing an extra layer of uplift and joy. And lest one becomes too comfortable, the track ends with eerie pads and what sound like samples of moving liquid.
A spacious bell groove drives “Bissou Ritual”, casting a spell of danger and anticipation of what comes next. No emergency here however, the tempo is under control, but by the time of the first drop, the filter is open and the kick drum takes command. Ecilo’s kick drums have a signature thump, one of the most unique we’ve heard, usually very loud in the mix. The bell here, a gorgeous harmonic grit. Together, they propel “Bissou” forward, accented by layers of dubbed out white noise. These dubby layers swirl in space, and provide even more motion, like dancers in holographic 3D, reverb carefully tailored for each.
A wonderful outing by a confident, humble, diverse, constantly evolving techno artist. In “Saturn Landscapes,” Ecilo shows excellent control of diverse elements, expressing himself effortlessly in proper techno, sound design, and soul, all while pleasantly hypnotizing you with a pounding pulse.
Don’t take your eyes off this artist.
-Nicolaas Black
Check out Dirty Epic music recommendations here.
Listen to our podcasts here.
Find out more about our events here.
