Clark :: Steep Stims (Throttle)

Steep Stims is the latest release by Clark (Throttle Records, November 2025), veteran and venerable artist and producer of great works. It’s an album of slow building tracks with his characteristic complex, evolving spaces.

Detuned synths flow and evanesce in and out of frame

Steep Stims is the latest release by Clark (Throttle Records, November 2025), veteran and venerable artist and producer of great works. It’s an album of slow building tracks with his characteristic complex, evolving spaces. There’s a dance floor feel to this which should be a welcome return for Clark who’s been focused on scoring and soundtrack works of late. “Infinite Roller,” “No Pills U” lead into “Janus Modal” which brings a lighthearted, uplifting vibe to the table where airy detuned synths flow and evanesce in and out of frame.

When it becomes apparent that shorter, atmospheric tracks bracket the longer dance numbers, a distinct feeling emerges. There’s no point in Steep Stems that feels like new ground is broken much less explored. Clark’s music usually leaps forward with every release yet there’s a sense not just of well-trod ground here but a fatigue or lack of exploration. It’s a difficult thing to encounter given how hard most electronic musicians try to push the envelop with every track and release. A tall order for any and all let alone the greats of the genre. Yet at halfway in it becomes apparent in this case the line may not have been pushed so much as nudged.

Steep Stims is available on Throttle. [Bandcamp]