Javi Lago – “Hydrogen” (Retórica Records) [July 21, 2023]

Barcelona’s Techno maestro and Sintetics Records founder Javi Lago releases a power-packed “Hydrogen” EP with Argentinian label, Retórica Records featuring 4 heavy selections befitting the 20-year legacy of the Spaniard-based artist.

The southern hemisphere of the western world has yielded brilliant labels and artists alike over the years. With Latin-inspired twists accommodating the already solidified sounds of Techno and House, the South American regions of the world have seen a boom in fledgling labels and artists alike that have taken the underground’s ear with ephemeral imprints, sound engineering selectors, and the uptick in powerhouse labels coming out of the darkness has been felt across the global circuit. One such fledgling label hailing from Argentina, Retórica Records, has made lasting impressions while boasting a small, but uniquely well-curated selection of releases.

Retórica Records has seemingly only entered into the public purview late last year but already has shown a unique talent for selective dub, hypnotic, and deeper tonalities in its roster than most imprints show in their first year. Little is present online about the label’s origins or how it came into being, however where words fail to shed light, the music speaks for itself. 

The label’s fourth release showcases well-established Barcelona Techno savant Javi Lago bringing their deep and swirling style of Techno into the foreground. Rolling elements coupled with melancholy and dystopian sound engineering are a definitive indicator of Javi’s 20-year tenure curating original music. The release is dark and tantalizing with almost industrial textures throughout the 4-track selection. Ominously sci-fi in nature, “Hydrogen” encapsulates much of the lovable takes on modern Techno in a new and inspiring way without losing an impactful and replayable quality.

-Colin Cook

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