Axëw’s Astral Contact arrives as a focused techno statement, one that feels both deliberate and instinctive in the way it unfolds. Built around a restrained but insistent structure, the track moves with a sense of inner logic rather than obvious peak-time tactics. It doesn’t rush to impress; instead, it establishes its presence gradually, letting tension and texture do most of the talking.
The rhythmic framework is tight and uncompromising. A steady, grounded kick anchors the composition, while subtle percussive elements circulate around it, creating a sense of motion without overcrowding the mix. Hi-hats and secondary hits appear and recede with careful timing, giving the groove a hypnotic quality that feels designed for extended listening as much as for the dancefloor. There’s a physicality to the rhythm, but also restraint, as if each element has been weighed before being allowed in.
Synth work plays a central role in defining the track’s character. Analog-flavored tones stretch and contract across the arrangement, often more felt than clearly stated. Rather than relying on overt melodic hooks, Astral Contact favors evolving timbres and slow modulation. The synth lines seem to breathe, occasionally rough at the edges, occasionally smoother, contributing to a slightly unstable, cosmic atmosphere that lives up to the title. Distortion is used with purpose, never excessive, adding grit and depth while preserving clarity.
Atmospherically, the track leans toward the introspective side of techno. There is a sense of space throughout, an openness that allows the sounds to resonate and linger. The mood is nocturnal and immersive, suggesting late hours and dimly lit rooms rather than festival daylight. This approach reflects Axëw’s background and trajectory, shaped by years spent between Florence’s club circuit and Milan’s underground scene, as well as his work through Raw Collective Records. The influence of hypnotic club environments is evident, but filtered through a personal, almost inward-looking lens.
What stands out in Astral Contact is its coherence. Every section feels connected, with transitions that are subtle rather than dramatic. The track evolves in small increments, rewarding attention and patience. It’s a piece that trusts its own identity, avoiding unnecessary embellishments and focusing instead on groove, texture, and atmosphere.
Overall, Astral Contact confirms Axëw’s ability to craft high-quality techno rooted in analog sensibilities and disciplined production choices. It’s the kind of release that fits naturally within a curated editorial context, and one we are genuinely pleased to feature on our webzine as part of an ongoing conversation around contemporary underground techno.