Following 2023’s ‘Dark Forest’, New York-based producer Michael Claus is set to release ‘Gradient Dreams’, a 4-track fever dream of dark, rhythmic techno.
We first heard Claus’ unique sound on past cassette editions for 100% Silk, with a mixture of heady dub techno and DIY electronics. The last few years have seen him move from San Francisco to Brooklyn, and he’s focused his energies on his own and others’ releases for his Silva Electronics outlet, including last year’s Slow Blink EP.
Out June 13, ‘Gradient Dreams’ was “drawn from live performances in San Francisco and Sacramento between 2022 and 2023”. That energy is apparent as each track bursts with crunchy drum patterns and blasted keys. It’s hard techno for hard, dystopian times.
Today, we’re excited to premiere “Plastic Soul”, an industrial acid house burner brimming with a vibrant, gritty aesthetic. Distorted, undulating synth waves spar with crisp percussive snaps that tie together for a deeply hypnotic groove. Turn on “Plastic Soul” and find yourself immersed in a warehouse party at 2am, the summer heatwave still simmering late into the night.
‘Gradient Dreams’ EP is scheduled for release on 13th June via Silva Electronics. Order a copy from Bandcamp.
TRACKLIST
1. Gradient Dreams
2. Plastic Soul
3. AI Instinct
4. Invisible Beach