Newly formed Berlin and Munich based label ‘Vitus’ Curse’ unleashes 10 daytime techno tracks on their second VA compilation.
Less than a year ago, artists Not Modest and Aselect came together to form Vitus’ Curse, a new label and artist collective for techno enthusiasts. With a few solid EPs and compilations already under their belt, the label has just put out two ten-track compilations that explore both the sounds of night and day, respectively. Part one, titled “Sonus Noctis,” was a standout release from last October, featuring contributions from promising acts such as Franz Jäger and Förm, to name a few. While part one encapsulates the late night sound of techno, part two explores a slightly more laidback, evocative sound. That said, this compilation is no nap in the park. Not all of these tracks fall neatly under the category of “club music.” The latest compilation tastefully blends fast with slow, dark with light, resulting in a well-balanced sonic journey that feels like a breath of fresh air.
Starting off the compilation is Aethernal’s contribution, “Distant Arrival.” Booming kicks serve as a red herring, giving you a false sense of what is to come. While it starts off sounding like a warehouse anthem, a soothing synth chord gradually strips away all expectations about where the track is going and what to expect. A few sequences of delightfully dainty, shimmering hi-hats meander their way around the listener, while soothing and nostalgic sounds of waves, insects and incomprehensible voices reverberate and calm the nerves. This track makes for an excellent transition tool.
While the next few tracks, “Memories” by Talfelt and “At Peace” by Murky fm are two infectiously groovy tunes with similar lush and vibrant overtones to the intro track, tracks five and six take the pace up a notch. Blanka’s “Current Vibrations” stripped back sound is a welcome burst of energy, while Mamwadi’s “Rotation” builds off of his momentum and mixes a bit of grittiness with a disorienting sound that borders on what we might refer to as “hypnotic.” If this section of the compilation represents the day turning into night, Noah Choi’s track “Mr. Anderson” would likely be the sunset. This track is booming with energy, and has an electrifying lead that is sure to dazzle. The color and flare of this composition can be perceived as a happy medium between techno that’s suited for both day, and night.
At this point, all of the tracks on the compilation have lead up to a climax of sorts, but just as the momentum peaks, the last three tracks diverge toward an unexpected different direction. Swooh mixes things up with “Asphyxia,” an old school meets new school electro jam that completely breaks away from the tracks that came before it. Frantic percussion, combined with in your face sound design, coalesce to make a wonderful surprise that helps the compilation feel more eclectic. Following that is label head Not Modest’s “Fainted Signs” which perfectly combines some of Swooh’s bombastic electro flavor with the types of ethereal, warm synth lines from previous tracks on the release.
Getting to hear how Vitus’ Curse approaches the sound of daytime through the tracks of their featured artists is a refreshing change of pace, and a concept that other labels ought to praise. “Sonus Diēi” is a distinct and diverse techno compilation that follows the arc of an exceptional album.
Support the artists and label with a digital download linked above. We are keeping an eye out for more great releases to come on Vitus’ Curse.
-Jeronimo Watson
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