Genre-Bending Techno: Luca Draccar’s ‘The Dark Side’ EP
2 min read
Listen to the release here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2oObxhExTtFiJSxo5Zn1xx
Luca Draccar emerges as a truly genre-bending artist, and his “The Dark Side” EP is a compelling showcase of this fluidity. The opening track, “Bad at Love Since Forever,” immediately establishes a sonic landscape that defies easy categorization. Warped basslines intertwine with airy, almost translucent synth tones, and the layered melody evokes a poignant tension, like the emotional push and pull of an elusive love. While rooted in electronic music, the track’s atmospheric depth transcends singular genre constraints, pulling the listener into a space that feels both familiar and uniquely Draccar’s.
“Outlaws Division,” the EP’s second offering, shifts gears with a palpable surge of energy. A driving beat, characterized by overdriven drums and sharp, angular synth lines, ignites a feeling of liberation and rebellion. While possessing the raw power of techno, Draccar injects a distinct sonic signature, pushing beyond typical genre boundaries to create a sound that’s both forceful and texturally rich.
The journey continues with “Reckless Flower,” where Draccar explores a more introspective and melodic territory. Here, almost classic romantic sensibilities meet twisted, otherworldly sonic textures, resulting in a dreamy and surreal experience. The juxtaposition of delicate, pretty melodies against unexpected, glitching noises highlights Draccar’s ability to weave seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive and emotionally resonant whole, a hallmark of an artist unbound by genre conventions.
The EP concludes with “Branded Your Brain,” a track defined by its deep, smoky bass sounds and evocative textures, painting a darkly cinematic scene. The clever arrangement, which subtly probes the nature of reality, leaves a lasting impression. In this closer, Draccar masterfully blends heavier sonic elements with a palpable sense of mood and depth, creating a sound that hints at various electronic subgenres without fully adhering to any single one.
Based in Berlin but fueled by his Italian creative spirit, Luca Draccar is carving a unique path within the techno and electronic music world. He operates as a sonic alchemist, seamlessly fusing the shimmer of techno with darker, more unusual rhythms, resulting in music that captivates with its innovation and hypnotic quality. Draccar’s artistry consistently pushes beyond the expected boundaries of electronic music, effortlessly combining powerful beats, fractured synths, and deeply expressive melodies. With a background in design and a history in Milan’s underground rave scene, his artistic evolution has led to “The Dark Side,” a project he considers his most detailed and significant. This EP, marked by its emotional honesty and the sharp precision of its production, underscores Draccar’s emergence as a compelling and genre-bending voice in contemporary electronic music.
