- Fresh techno with an old-school twist from the Swiss upstart.
- Listening to Chlär's DJ sets on HÖR Radio can feel like flicking through a dance music encyclopedia. The young Swiss producer flips through various styles with precision, from tribal-inflected rhythms to ghetto-tech vocals to peak-time techno. Chlär's productions, on the other hand, dive into the most time-honored corners of techno, electro and breakbeat and the result is usually a banging but bright collection of 4/4 steppers.
After last year's clean-cut EP on techno Lobster Theremin last year, Chlär's latest release Staying True launches new label Welcome To The Loop World by leaning into both old-school and modern sound palettes. "The Tribe" could be from two decades ago with its punchy rhythms, spirally melodies and retro vocal sample repeating "don't stop the groove," like something from the Infamous Player discography.
The title track is a little more contemporary, with a stabby, synth-led melody and a menacing vocal sample stating "we here keeping it real" dominating the claustrophobic soundscape, while "Right Mood Supplier" is groovier, with short piano notes and a robust bassline that lends it a Floorplan vibe. The opener "It's A Common Thing" is the most reserved of the release, but it's far from a buzz-kill. Emotive chords and a vocal snippet—almost like a sad scream—punctuate the heavy atmosphere, gently telling you that the rave is ending and it's time to go home.
While there are plenty of intriguing talents soundtracking Berlin's club circuit right now, Chlär has become a standout name in recent months. He produces powerful techno that should charm fans of the genre from the young and fresh to the jaded alike.
Tracklist01. It's A Common Thing
02. The Tribe
03. Staying True
04. Right Mood Supplier