Browsing Tag

Breakbeats

Synthetix – Ominous Data: Meet the Master of Electronica Futurology

Synthetix looked far beyond the binary with the cybernetically harbingering title single from his latest bass-heavy electro LP, Ominous Data. The San Francisco-residing breakbeat producer and live artist Shea Steinbacher founded Synthetix and started cutting his teeth in the rave and nightclub scene in 1999, the same year The Matrix hit the big screen, which may or may not be coincidental, but one thing is for sure, Synthetix has become a moniker synonymous with the futurology of electronica.

As dark, heavy, and brooding as Ominous Data may be, nothing about the polished mix feels oppressive. The reverberating glitchy waves wash over you, allowing your rhythmic pulses to ebb and flow with the syncopated momentum that speaks volumes of the producer’s experience and expertise which has lent itself to 13 LPs and EPs on labels including Anti-Matter Records and Black Magic Records.

Currently operating under his own independent label, ZerosAndOnes Records, the innovative originator is ensuring that if we do have a future to look forward to where our autonomy doesn’t atrophy, he’s going to hold dominion over the breakbeat scene with his kinetic rhythms and synths that carve through the atmosphere with the reverberations of a full-scale invasion.

Ominous Data was inputted into the airwaves on April 5th; stream the track on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

IDN synthesised an electrifying electronica hybrid in his sophomore LP, Voyager

IDN’s LP “Voyager” is an electrifying escapade into a realm where electronica melds with a kaleidoscope of genres. Each of the 14 tracks on this LP is a crucial fragment of an intricate cosmic voyage, transcending the norms of conventional electronica with audacious flair.

IDN, an LA-based queer Iranian-American polymath, infuses his diverse inspirations – from video games to sci-fi and psychedelia – into a groundbreaking sound. This LP is a unified interstellar journey, which pulses with life, intertwining industrial, dub, and psytrance into a hybrid tapestry of sound.

The genius of “Voyager” lies in its seamless blend of hi-fi sophistication and lo-fi rawness. This juxtaposition creates a soundscape that feels both futuristic and deeply rooted. With glitchy breakbeats and dub-infused electronic twists leading the listener through a labyrinth of auditory discovery, you will want to grab your passport to the 5th dimension before delving in.

The Voyager LP landed on January 12; embark on it via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

FunkEnergy brings the Funk-filled Break Beats with “Beautiful Liar”

Italian artist and producer FunkEnergy made their most entrancing contribution to the Big Beat scene yet with their 2020 EP ‘Red Lips’ which dropped on October 14th via UPUK Records.

With snappy breakbeats bringing a solid structure to the exuberantly dynamic standout track ‘Beautiful Liar’, you can’t help but get into the groove with the up-vibe rhythms.

The fact that FunkEnergy was able to create a high-vibe track about infidelity makes me love him even more. The cheeky playfulness resonates all throughout the mix which you’ll definitely want to give plenty of repeat attention to. The production boasts a massive sound, but it is still easier than breathing to slip into. Naturally, we can’t wait to hear what comes next.

You can check out FunkEnergy’s single Beautiful Liar along with the rest of their 2020 EP by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast