PHYC‘s latest EP feels like an introspective journey through the depths of techno’s emotive power. Grounded in his experience across the globe and shaped by Amsterdam’s vibrant scene, this five-track release is both a tribute to the genre’s traditions and a bold exploration of its possibilities.
The opener, “Alice’s Lift Off,” feels like stepping into an unfiltered dream. With its bubbling bassline and cosmic atmospherics, it invites listeners to let go and drift into PHYC’s meticulously crafted soundscapes. Then comes “Percocet,” where tension builds in waves, combining a freaky, warbling sub bass with sharp percussion hits. It’s a dance floor-ready track, yet it holds a reflective edge, urging one to find beauty in its stark, spacious tones.
“Iroquois” shifts the tone, its driving rhythm anchoring tubular effects in a raw, analogue groove. There’s a distinct, playful weirdness here, a reminder that techno can both move the body and provoke the mind. “Dharma” takes a darker turn, its metallic drones and stuttering beats weaving a psychedelic spell that lingers long after the final note.
The EP closes with “Flauzino,” a hypnotic piece of pure techno energy. Its relentless rhythm and broken beats gradually grow in intensity, as if echoing the relentless pace of thought itself. Abstract yet deeply emotive, it leaves the listener contemplating the spaces between sound and silence.
PHYC’s artistry lies not just in creating music, but in crafting quality, cinematic experiences. This EP isn’t merely a collection of tracks - it’s a journey of sound design, best taken with eyes closed and mind wide open.
- Reviewed by Jack! Who? for deathtechno.com
