Raffaele Attanasio - South Signatures [Mutual Rytm]

This marks Raffaele Attanasio’s second release on SHDW’s Mutual Rytm imprint, following his incredible debut Quasar and his recent appearance on the label’s third Federation Of Rytm compilation. The EP is a showcase of an exciting artist with a new school techno vision, while paying true respect to the roots of his sound. He has played live alongside legend Jeff Mills and is involved in various other musical projects in distinct genres, but he saves his best techno for his own name.

Madrigal opens the EP, where Attanasio creates an apocalyptic anthem composed of a single sound, the Nord Wave 2 synth, and a hard-hitting groove. It’s pure dance floor energy, with relentless drums capturing the crowd. Then, the brilliant Heat brings tribalism, with a powerful rolling groove punctuated by chords that fill it with life. Aogiri Tree introduces vibrant drums emerging from darkness, accompanied by a sinister lead synth. Its mischievous notes hint at hidden danger, keeping you on edge.

Keeping the energy high, Stratford Fog delivers a battle between drums and a consistent pulsing bassline. Intense chords and raw percussion create a mesmerising groove that doesn’t let up and keeps you fully immersed. The title track is a precise production that harks back to the golden age of Neapolitan techno, with a perfectly engineered groove, before digital bonus Eleven brings touches of elegant Detroit techno, with smooth chords and an arpeggiated bass flowing until the very last beat.