French producer Itako puts forth a fresh blend of synthwave, techno, electronica and industrial sounds with his latest release on Maceo Plex’s Lone Romantic label.
“Cutting Narrow Shore” starts it off with a tight analog Roland TR kick that will remain a constant staple throughout the EP. A chorus soaked bass sequence joins it introducing the 80s new wave theme that also plays a big role in the record. The steady build of generously tape-saturated drums fill up the atmosphere with a dark and dry landscape making way for the last element to come in, the tb-303 acid line crossing the scopic track over into the techno realm before fading down back into the intro beat.
“Able To Choose – Able To Escape” skips into the next decade of influences with 90s electronica synth sounds taking the helm in this cinematic take on synthwave. The track plays like the soundtrack to the climax scene of a retro action flick that doesn’t exist, allowing the listener to create their own characters and setting to run along with the progressive arrangement.
“Low Expectation” decreases the speed for a downtempo dreamy meditation that gives a refreshing and calming rest at the midpoint of the record. The slower tempo allows Itako to show off his funky side with the drum and bass groove while the tribal chants create a transcendental ambience to hypnotize the listener into a tranquil state before moving on to the end of the record.
“Dangerous Solar Overdrive” takes another page from the 90s electronica book with tranced out digital synths providing atmospheric elements and a spacious gliding pad to match another mesmerizing analog acid line and punchy drum beat. Tripped out percussion delays work in tandem with an old school rave stab to captivate the mind and allow full immersion into the mysterious sonic dimension Itako creates.
The finale “Social Disaster” comes swinging with a dark industrious bassline and beat that increases and decreases momentum like an inner-city car chase. A distorted vocal line adds to the terrorizing vibe while 808 cowbells and claps secure the 80s influence that will give the retro coldwave vibe to any listening environment in an instant.
All tracks contain infectious grooves and tight yet highly saturated drums perfectly mixed and mastered for any medium. A great addition to Maceo’s growing catalog of futuristic dystopian techno-infused records that his Lone Romantic label has been building.
-Kai Loo
Links – https://lnk.to/LR021
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