Listen to the release here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2oObxhExTtFiJSxo5Zn1xx
Known for his adventurous spirit and bold sonic architecture, Luca Draccar’s latest EP, “The Dark Side,” invites listeners into his most personal sonic realm yet. Across these four tracks, he delivers a stark and intimate exploration of human frailty, inner conflict, and unvarnished feeling, all meticulously crafted with inventive soundscapes and hypnotic distortions that push beyond the expected.
Draccar’s evolution, from the quiet of an Italian village to his standing as a groundbreaking figure in electronic music, is as compelling as his creations. From the pulse of Milan’s underground rave scene to the academic rigor of Bauhaus Universität Weimar, his journey as a producer has been defined by a persistent drive to transcend boundaries. With “The Dark Side,” Luca shapes an auditory experience that reflects his core belief: “Human life itself begins in darkness.” This EP unfurls as an emotional and sensory pilgrimage into the shadowy recesses of the human psyche, a territory often explored with stark honesty by artists like Nick Cave.
The opening track, “Bad at Love Since Forever,” establishes a haunting and spectral atmosphere. Delicate synth textures contrast with forceful, distorted bass drums, generating a push-and-pull tension that feels like standing at the edge of vulnerability. The neo-romantic undercurrent is both somber and uplifting, as Luca skillfully captures the interplay between clarity and chaos—the inherent duality of love and loss.
“Outlaws Division” injects a surge of energy with its sharp-edged synths and mesmerizing rhythms. This track emerges as a defiant anthem, subtly imbued with an introspective current that draws listeners into a trance-like state. The melodies, seemingly simple yet profoundly evocative, underscore Draccar’s unique talent for harmonizing emotional depth with sonic innovation.
The third track, “Reckless Flower,” shines as a distinct highlight of the EP. Here, Luca’s recent immersion in piano studies comes to the forefront, as he interweaves a complex tapestry of organic and synthesized sounds. The result is a dreamlike yet sincere piece that offers a brief, luminous pause before returning to the EP’s darker sonic landscapes. The distinctness of the piano’s delicate notes against a backdrop of controlled sonic turbulence speaks volumes about Draccar’s artistic evolution and versatility, a willingness to blend the raw with the refined, not unlike the sonic palette found in some of Nick Cave‘s more experimental work.
Concluding the project is “Branded Your Brain,” the EP’s powerful centerpiece. This track is an intoxicating blend of hyper-pop elements and deep bass frequencies, producing a sensory overload akin to a strobe-lit dance floor. Metallic distortions clash with warm, rich textures, evoking both allure and a sense of underlying threat. The track’s unrestrained energy leaves a lasting impression, embodying Luca’s knack for merging irony with unfiltered emotion.
“The Dark Side” transcends the format of a mere EP; it’s an immersive sonic and emotional journey, navigating the fluid boundaries between reality and perception. Luca Draccar’s fluid transitions between natural and artificial sounds forge a dynamic soundscape that feels alive and unpredictable. It’s a project that encourages listeners to not just hear the music but to truly experience it.
For those who appreciate trance, hyper-pop, and experimental soundscapes, “The Dark Side” is an essential listen. Through its intricate production and deeply personal themes, Luca Draccar once again confirms his position as a pioneering force in electronic music.
Prepare to venture into the unknown. “The Dark Side” awaits, poised to reshape your understanding of sound and emotion. Keep up with Luca Draccar’s evocative new release by following him on Instagram.
