DEFSET emerges from lockdown with a 16-track masterpiece

As a newcomer to the scene, Proximity solidifies the artists’ mastery of electronic music

Proximity is the latest release by electronic musician DEFSET. An alias for artist Leo Neelands, DEFSET takes its inspiration from the electronic dance and acid house movements that defined the cultural moment of his youth. Originally known for his work as a visual effects artist, Neelands, has worked on the effects of movies including Harry Potter, Gravity, The Hobbit, and Iron Man 3. But, with a lifelong passion for music dating back to his time making music on an Atari ST, Neelands career as DEFSET has solidified his commitment to the art as he has made himself known for a creative use of modular synthesizers and onboard gear, creating immersive music with glitchy, syncopated rhythms.

As the debut album of an artist who is new to the scene, Proximity follows a series of single releases, many of which appear on the full album. In 2021, he released ‘Deadlines,’ Shira2,’ and ‘Bathtime,’ all of which are featured in the full album, as well as ‘The Edge of the World,’ ‘Shira2 (Locked Groove Remix),’ and ‘Deadlines (Perry Granville Remix).’

DEFSET used his memories of the UK rave scene as a point of inspiration for the album. Rediscovering fond memories in the process of producing the music, DEFSET points tracks such as ‘HoneySwede’ to dedicated fans of underground electronic music. Looking to return to the music making process, Neelands purchased modular gear before the COVID lockdown began and spent the duration of that period producing this album, with every sound and element created from scratch. In its entirety, the album presents an energetic feel with the opportunity for listeners to enter a trance-like-state, absorbed in the atmospheric tone that carries through each track.

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Astrazione Astrale drops with high dance energy

Two new tracks by Felche create a techno and electro inspired atmosphere

A partnership of two long-term friends, Felche is an Italian duo that began making music together two years ago. Merging their backgrounds in techno, electro, experimental electronics, and contemporary music composition, the pair has explored the boundaries of dub, glitch, drone, and techno through their 100% hardware-based sessions. As a result, they have produced two releases in the last two years that demonstrate their in-studio approach.

The newest release, “Astrazione Astrale” follows on from their first single in 2020, “Faune.” Playlisted by house DJ Sasha, “Faune” is comprised of three tracks: “Nel Labirinto,” “Striature dell’Inconscio,” and “Quinto Cancello.” The first produces an ephemeral house sound, with the second following up to add a layer of chaos and intensity, only to close with a drum pad-focused track that seals the release off at a more minimal note.

“Faune” set the tone for their playful and dance-oriented techno sound that embedded itself into “Astrazione Astrale,” released this July. Two tracks—the album’s namesake and “Isolesole”—create a thirteen-minute rhythmic experience comprised of a combination of techno themes, house feelings, and dynamic energy fit to set the atmosphere on the dancefloor. Felche uses pads and 808 drums, blended with reverbs and tape delays to create a pulse that trickles throughout the beat at a steady energy across both songs.

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