Emerging from the vibrant intersection between Milan and Turin’s underground electronic scene, Loner Tennis Club continue to define their distinct sonic identity with their latest single, “Rises.” Blending the nostalgic pulse of UK breakbeat and garage with a modern, cinematic edge, the duo’s new release stands as a compelling testament to their ability to merge atmosphere and rhythm into a cohesive and immersive sound experience.
At its core, “Rises” is a rhythmic exploration — a track that draws heavily from the golden era of UK rave culture while pushing its boundaries into contemporary territory. The production opens with a dense, textured atmosphere, where layers of subtle synth pads create a spacious environment. Soon after, the unmistakable drive of breakbeat percussion takes hold: crisp hi-hats, snappy snares, and rolling kicks interlock in a pattern that feels both organic and mechanical. This rhythmic complexity forms the foundation upon which the track’s other elements gracefully evolve.
One of the defining features of “Rises” lies in its use of a mysterious vocal sample, discovered by the duo while digging through old PC archives. The sample, an unpolished UK rap flow, injects a raw human presence into the otherwise meticulously crafted electronic landscape. Its grit and imperfection contrast with the smoothness of the production, grounding the track in a sense of authenticity that resonates with the origins of the genre. Rather than dominating the composition, the vocal is treated as an instrumental texture—looped, filtered, and manipulated to merge seamlessly into the mix. The result is hypnotic: a voice that feels like a ghost from the past, echoing through layers of reverb and distortion, adding emotional depth to the relentless forward momentum of the rhythm.
The synth work in “Rises” reflects Loner Tennis Club’s talent for balancing light and shadow. The duo weave together melodic fragments that shimmer briefly before dissolving into the mix, creating a dreamlike interplay between clarity and abstraction. Warm analog tones sit beside colder, metallic layers, mirroring the dual nature of the track: nostalgic yet innovative, gritty yet elegant. Sub-bass frequencies rumble just beneath the surface, providing weight and tension without overwhelming the composition. Each sound feels intentional, sculpted with precision to serve the track’s larger narrative arc.
As the arrangement unfolds, subtle shifts in rhythm and texture maintain a sense of progression. The track doesn’t rely on dramatic drops or breakdowns; instead, it evolves gradually, inviting the listener to sink deeper into its hypnotic groove. This approach demonstrates a mature understanding of electronic storytelling — a skill that distinguishes Loner Tennis Club within the crowded landscape of modern producers. The transitions are fluid, the pacing deliberate, and the overall structure finely tuned for both club and personal listening contexts.
Atmospherically, “Rises” captures the essence of the underground sound system culture that inspired it. There’s a tactile sense of space, as if the listener were standing inside a warehouse filled with low-end frequencies and flickering strobes. Yet despite its club-oriented energy, the track retains a meditative quality, thanks to the duo’s nuanced layering and restrained dynamics. It’s music that can energize a dance floor or accompany a solitary night drive with equal effectiveness — a rare duality that speaks to the depth of its production.
Loner Tennis Club’s commitment to authenticity and craft shines throughout “Rises.” Their refusal to chase fleeting trends results in a sound that feels timeless, rooted in the traditions of UK electronic music while distinctly their own. The release marks a new chapter for the duo — one that reaffirms their ability to connect the emotive potential of melody with the physical impact of rhythm.
With “Rises,” Loner Tennis Club deliver a high-quality release that captures both the raw intensity of breakbeat and the immersive atmosphere of electronica. It’s a track that celebrates the past while carving out space for the future, standing as a testament to the duo’s growing influence in Italy’s evolving electronic scene. Parkett is proud to host this outstanding release — one that reminds us why the underground remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration and innovation.