With “Taurine,” SHASAU deliver a hypnotic and meticulously crafted intersection of dub, groove and electronic experimentation, presenting a release that stands out for its refined atmosphere and disciplined sonic architecture. As part of the Alicante EP, “Taurine” functions both as a self-contained audiovisual meditation and as a window into the ongoing evolution of SHASAU’s creative identity—an identity rooted in decades of production under various monikers by veteran producer Vadim Militsin. The track arrives accompanied by a minimal-art music video that appears generative at first glance, though every moment is shaped by deliberate handcrafting, enhancing the sense of slow immersion that defines the work as a whole. It is a high-quality release we are pleased to feature on our webzine.
Rhythmically, “Taurine” sits in the lineage of dub-influenced electronic music, built upon a groove that avoids unnecessary embellishment while maintaining a subtle forward pull. The percussive framework is sparse but intentional, relying on soft kicks, rounded low-end pulses, and lightly scattered syncopations to anchor the composition. Instead of driving momentum forcefully, the rhythm works as a container—an environment that stabilizes the listening experience and allows the surrounding textures to expand. This approach mirrors classic dub sensibilities but translates them into a contemporary, electronically sculpted environment in which space becomes an active element of the rhythm itself. Silence and decay operate like rhythmic partners, giving the track its meditative cadence.
The synth design plays a central role in shaping “Taurine’s” identity. Militsin explores a palette that blends analog warmth with digital clarity, honoring the hybrid nature of SHASAU as a “man-machine duo.” The synth lines unfold slowly, often emerging as soft modulated waves that drift into the stereo field before receding again. The textures balance between generative fluidity and structured intention, highlighting years of experimentation with both out-of-the-box hardware and fully virtual environments. Even with significant involvement of AI tools—an approach Militsin has been pioneering for years—there remains an audible lineage connecting “Taurine” to the producer’s earlier eras, when different techniques and equipment defined his sound. Subtle harmonic shifts and filtered layers create a sensation of depth without overwhelming the mix, encouraging the listener to lean in rather than be pushed forward.
Atmospherically, “Taurine” functions as a slow-time portal. The track resists any form of “clip mentality,” instead emphasizing stillness, breath, and elongated perception. The music video reinforces this by presenting visual sequences that feel as though they are being generated live, though they are the product of careful manual workmanship. The imagery evolves in a continuous, meditative loop, occasionally revealing small details—such as the presence of a cat, hidden within the visual field—that reward focused viewing and underscore the handcrafted nature of the project. The audiovisual pairing encourages a form of introspective unwinding, aligning perfectly with the track’s minimalistic rhythmic and harmonic structure.
The production quality reflects the meticulous standards associated with SHASAU. Vadim Militsin shapes the sonic architecture with the support of Udio AI, blending machine-assisted creativity with human intention. The final mastering by Bill Sellar at Super Audio Mastering provides clarity and spatial polish, allowing the low frequencies to remain warm and steady while preserving the delicate atmospheric layers that define the track. The result is an immersive soundstage where each element has room to breathe.
“Taurine” ultimately represents the convergence of experience, curiosity, and technological exploration. By embracing both handcrafted detail and AI-driven textures, SHASAU present a form of electronic music that is simultaneously organic and computational. The release invites listeners to slow down, observe, and drift—a meditative counterpoint to the acceleration typical of digital culture. As part of the Alicante EP, it reinforces SHASAU’s commitment to nuanced, forward-thinking sound design. It is a pleasure to host this high-quality work on our webzine, offering space for an artist who continues to redefine the balance between human sensibility and machine precision.