Synthetik Sounds delivers their first release with Ecilo’s “Protech the Skyline” EP that plays like a techno master class. Jakarta-based producer Reza Ananda, aka Ecilo, and LA’s own 6AM Group and Synthetik Minds collaborate on this imprint with this 5-tracker a first glimpse at the vision behind the project.
Diving in headlong, “Linear Groove” drops into a tense bounce, with a rubbery, stretchy arp driving the main riff. Even in the break, the tension is constant, the rubber maintaining an unrelenting sense of emergency. The kick also never loses that hooky bounce, giving the track its signature rhythm. The sonic environment is spacious and is clean, minimalistic in approach. Pure techno.
“Maschtract” goes deeper into space and sci-fi territory, introducing a trippy hypnotic arp, as grit swirls behind. This track is futuristic and electronic, conjuring the Milky Way, black holes and interstellar journeys. The arp as before is unrelenting, but the vibe is more mysterious than tense. The groove leaves one almost a bit relaxed, hypnotized by the space arp and bleeps.
Darker and more intense “Pitch Loop Mode” immediately jacks up the energy. A moody synth riff begins speaking, almost like a classical cello or violin section, the riff dynamic and constantly changing. Its counterpoint is a sneaky loop that’s audibly changing pitch in places, creating mind-bending energy when it does, like the ground shifting beneath your feet. It is almost melodic, but not quite. Trippy as hell, “Pitch Loop Mode” is in its own sonic universe.
“Protech the Skyline” goes further into exploration. Again, there’s plenty of space in the mix, so each sound is heard with great clarity. The sense of physical space is palpable, the electronic mystery deepening. The synths themselves interact in polyrhythms, the patterns resembling percussive instruments. Also, what sounds like native voices are interspersed throughout, giving the overall sound of an almost relaxed, rainforest-like, experimental psychedelic vibe.
“Stripped and Trip” picks up the energy again to finish the EP with gusto. Holding down a similar hard bounce as “Linear Groove”, the kick keeps the mood high even as the synths stay more subdued. Quick beautiful hats shine in this track, very present in the mix; pure techno and house. No big snares or busy claps on this one either, so the kick and hats really come forward in excellent fashion. The soundscaping is stellar.
-Nicolaas Black
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