Album

Having earned a reputation as one of the most respected artists on the underground techno circuit over the course of his esteemed, decade-long career, American-Korean DJ and producer Juheun kick-starts 2024 with one of the finest additions to his discography to date. Armed with a catalog of standout releases on the likes of Octopus Recordings, Kuukou and Set About (to name a few) the Phoenix-based artist now announces his EP debut on Christian Smith’s Tronic imprint, with the mighty ‘Phantom’. Due for worldwide release on Friday, February 9, Juheun’s ‘Phantom’ EP sees the in-demand producer land on Tronic for the first time since his immense ‘Open Door’ collaboration with Drunken Kong, which was released as part of the label’s ‘Rockets Launch 15’ VA in December 2022. Delivering an unrelenting three-track package of driving, industrial techno, the Phantom EP features two new original solo productions from Juheun and is completed by an official remix from Swedish producer and returning Tronic artist, Hertz. Opening the EP with the frenetic title track ‘Phantom’, Juheun goes full throttle from the outset as he unleashes an intense, peak-time weapon, propelled by relentless percussion and frenzied synth stabs. Flawlessly executed and primed for those early hours warehouse moments, the blistering techno cut is another perfect example of Juheun’s incredible technical capabilities in the studio. Progressing through the EP, Juheun’s second original offering sees the introduction of ‘Empty Space’. Blending a plethora of complementary percussive elements with otherworldly soundscapes and ethereal vocal chops, the immersive middle order delivers on both rhythm and melody in equal measure; its masterfully layered drum patterns and trippy synth work create a track that’s both familiar and progressive. Last, but by no means least, the reigns are handed to Swedish production powerhouse and hard groove maestro, Hertz, who’s tasked with putting his own inimitable spin on Juheun’s powerful opener. With a slew of impressive career releases on the likes of Tronic, Suara, Drumcode, 1605 and Sway (amongst others) the Gothenberg-based stalwart combines whirring basslines with heavy kicks and ravey synth work as he returns to Christian Smith’s long-standing label to round out Juheun’s ‘Phantom’ EP in style.

The ever-reliable Kuukou Records continues with stern and burly intent with an onslaught of releases ready for dance-floors as they continue to open up across the beginning of 2022. Simina Grigoriu’s label follows on Kuukou’s last EP with a fresh with a single featuring 2 feisty remixes from I AM BAM and Southampton based artist Melody’s Enemy.

It’s evident from the very first kick drum that ‘Instant Communication’ slots effortlessly into the Kuukou catalogue; the title track drives a heaving kick under flashing 909 hats before the whole recording opens up into a dark and cinematic breakdown. Rasping low-end rips under strings and vocal snips, swelling with tension before sparking the floor back up with powerful effect.

Thundering & menacing from the very first kick drum, I AM BAM’s remix of ‚Instant Communication’ takes the listener higher with pure, ruthless rave energy. The arps weave an infectious & hypnotic journey throughout the track blending seamlessly into the rhythm of the drums. Bam’s signature raw, energy shines through and delivers us a warehouse stomper destined to elevate any dancefloor instantly.

Melody’s Enemy then concludes things with his take – a slightly more stripped version which relies on deft sound design, a consistent sense of pressure and filtered vocals which round off another sterling addition to a catalogue of music going from strength to strength.

October the 1st meet USA based artist and producer – Juheun to deliver his two-tracks release titled “M87” followed by the remix from gorgeous Simina Grigoriu to Set About!

“M87 I named this track after a galaxy called Messier 87 which has a black hole in its center sitting about 53 million light years from Earth. M87 instantly brings us to the event horizon with razor sharp stabs sprinkled amidst a ruthless kick drum. The first drop in the track slaps you into space and prepares the listener for a wild ride as the drums progressively build into the next void.

In ‘Digital High’ I tried to capture the feeling and emotion of traveling through space and time, a fusion of unrelenting energy and ethereal synths. I wanted it to be an unpredictable journey for the listener, invoking feelings of clarity and wonder. The hypnotizing vibe pumps from start to finish with a sci-fi breakdown and drop that hits the dance floor with massive energy. “

With transistors and fuses glowing all night in his studio, Juheun returns with a blistering dystopian soundscape, his razor edge synths and hard bass lines strike an unchartered path in our scene. We dialed up Black Asteroid for a remix, he delivers an industrial, power rave version, grinding the machinery of the original into his own unique electronic signature sound.

Juheun’s ‘Acceleration’ is inspired by his interest in space travel and technology. It’s composed of four well-rounded tracks, opening with an eponymous title track that emotes a truly hypnotic experience, embracing a percussive backbone and unique futuristic sound effects to carry listeners through. The second track veers from the original composition of “Acceleration” with a remix featuring multifaceted German producer, Wigbert. Known to combine tech-house and techno, the studio scientist incorporates booming bass that drives the energy of the track keeping an undertone of its original percussion. The EP’s third offering is fittingly titled “Pulsar,” with its fast-paced and multi-layered beats displaying Juheun’s intricate attention to detail. Cranked up drums and melodic blasts are sure to keep crowds moving late into the night. The EP is rounded out with the grippingly dark “Gamma,” a tune that begins with a heavy bassline that matures into an eerie repetition of vocals and effects that are both minimalistic yet unexplainably intriguing. Tracks on ‘Acceleration’ have already garnered support from the likes of John Digweed, Nicole Moudaber, Pig&Dan and more.

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