- A veteran French producer lands on a top electro label.
- Whether adding a new chapter to a prolific artist's career or introducing producers like 96 Back to its fanbase, Central Processing Unit carves out new paths. Maelstrom's debut on the label, ALPH4, was a case of the former, clearing the way for the prolific French producer to appear on other top electro labels afterwards. Arriving with a four-tracker called ECZO, Cultivated Electronics is Maelstrom's next stop.
The opening track's title, "Smoker," could be a nod to the mood of the record. ECZO is smokier, coarser and rawer than ALPH4. It's a rugged, dystopian sound that would perfectly slot into Helena Hauff's sets and would mix well with the other Cultivated Electronics records in her collection. "Confidential" is particularly thrilling, with a captivating mechanical arpeggio that bounces with restraint until it starts to unravel and sounds like an electro slinky falling down the stairs.
Label boss Sync 24 is hands-on with most of the artists on his label, either providing remixes or collaborating. It gives Cultivated Electronics a personal touch. On ECZO he remixes "Smoker" by draping it in high-frequency squelches and laser zaps to bring out its extraterrestrial streak.
TracklistA1 Smoker
A2 Eczo
B1 Smoker (Sync 24 Remix)
B2 Confidential