Analogical Force remains a powerhouse label capable of balancing both forward-facing experimentation and deep respect for established electro and breaks traditions. Both approaches carry immense value, and perhaps the real excitement comes from hearing artists navigate the space between the two.
A four-track breaks/electro-lite joy festival
Analogical Force maintains its beautiful aesthetic with Sound Synthesis in Radical Meditation, a four-track breaks/electro-lite joy festival. For meditation, one might indeed find the EP radical, yet in terms of sound palette and design, it confidently embraces the well-formed familiarities of its chosen genres.
Kicking things off, the title track dives headfirst into hi-octane euphoria and pure 2am aesthetics. It’s a hands-in-the-air, hands-down straight 8 belter—the kind of track that feels destined for future jump-up crew anthem status. “Embracing Change” eases the pressure beautifully, lowering the pulse and settling into warm, huggy vibes. Soulful melancholic pads drift across a truly dope 303 spin, resulting in a track that could comfortably exist anywhere between 1996 and infinity. Timeless without feeling nostalgic for nostalgia’s sake. “Psychological Force” continues that same 303-threaded atmosphere alongside bubbling bass synths and filtering pads, everything locked tightly onto the one and fours. More stealthy than the preceding cuts, its strength lies in its restraint, simplicity, and disciplined groove architecture.
Closer “Emozzjoni,” perhaps felt slightly overshadowed by the familiarity of the territory already explored across the previous tracks. It is every bit as well-produced, well-observed, and technically refined—especially once the savage arpeggiated synth line arrives midway through—yet personally I found myself wishing for a final left turn or unexpected detour to close the EP with an additional sense of contrast and expanded range. Not because the formula stops working, but because the quality throughout invites curiosity about how far else the project could stretch itself sonically.
That said, Analogical Force remains a powerhouse label capable of balancing both forward-facing experimentation and deep respect for established electro and breaks traditions. Both approaches carry immense value, and perhaps the real excitement comes from hearing artists navigate the space between the two. Of course, that’s entirely a subjective external observation. Either way, this is another excellent release and another strong entry in the label’s consistently high-octane catalog. AF release records to excite a collection in beautiful colors both visual and aural.
Radical Meditation is available on Analogical Force. [Bandcamp]
