Listen to the release here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2oObxhExTtFiJSxo5Zn1xx
Luca Draccar’s latest EP, “The Dark Side,” offers a journey into the more nuanced territories of electronic sound. Across these four tracks, the listener is invited to consider a landscape of feeling, rather than simply adhering to a predictable rhythm. This isn’t music for fleeting attention; it requires a certain immersion.
The opening track, “Bad at Love Since Forever,” establishes a mood of introspection. The emphasis here is on atmosphere, with synthesizers that seem to exhale slowly and a percussive element that grounds the sonic space with a deliberate weight. There’s a sense of vulnerability conveyed through the textures themselves, an openness that invites contemplation.
“Outlaws Division” follows, introducing a more insistent pulse, though the overall tone remains shadowed. One can discern a manipulation of the sonic architecture, the synthesizers acquiring a sharper quality. The rhythm provides a forward momentum, yet there’s a subtle undercurrent that hints at a more unsettling dimension beneath the surface.
With “Reckless Flower,” Draccar ventures into more perceptually bending sonic terrain. This track demands a focused ear, as the sounds themselves seem to shift and distort, creating a sense of unease. It feels like an engagement with raw emotion, the textures pushing against the boundaries of conventional electronic sound, suggesting a more visceral experience.
The EP concludes with “Branded Your Brain,” a track that leaves a lasting impression through its sheer intensity. The lower frequencies are palpable, while fractured, almost metallic sounds orbit the listener. It’s an immersive experience, a potent and energetic conclusion to the collection.
In essence, “The Dark Side” is not merely toying with darker themes; it’s an exploration of them. Draccar demonstrates a clear control over his sonic materials, crafting a cohesive journey that resonates on an emotional level while also offering a distinct sonic perspective. This is for those who appreciate their electronic music with depth, a touch of the unconventional, and the capacity to resonate beyond the purely physical.
Verdict: A moody and expertly crafted EP, laced with a distinctive sonic tension. Draccar delivers a potent collection for listeners seeking electronic music that engages both the intellect and the senses. Well-executed.