KNTZ crafts techno that is more awestruck than dark and does seem to dabble into the hallowed grounds that techno seems to claim dominion over. This release showcases a form of timeless modular infused techno. It is a perfect combination of the pounding drums and the slashing textures which blend incredibly well.
This EP isn't just techno; it's a structural dissection of sound, a sonic autopsy performed under flickering neon lights. KNTZ offers no solace, only a guided tour through the decaying infrastructure of a digital dystopia. "Collapse EP" feels less like a title and more like a prophecy fulfilled across these five tracks.
Parallels: The EP opener establishes the mood: a relentless, driving force, like machinery grinding against itself. The kick drum is the anchor, heavy and unforgiving, while the metallic, clanging percussion creates an atmosphere of claustrophobia. Hints of melody flicker in and out, like distant sirens, adding a layer of unease rather than relief. It's a track built for forward momentum, a perpetual chase through concrete corridors.
Collapse: The title track dives deeper into the abyss. A distorted, echoing synth melody weaves in and out, creating a sense of vertigo. The track sounds as if a building is falling apart. The percussion becomes more frantic, more unpredictable, mimicking the chaos of a structure giving way. This isn't just music; it's an aural representation of instability, a soundtrack to entropy.
Disintegrator: A more subtle, insidious track. While still rhythmically driven, "Disintegrator" focuses on textural decay. Layers of white noise and static build, creating a sense of erosion. The sparse, almost mournful synth chords hint at a lingering memory before being swallowed by the sonic dust. It is as if reality itself is corroding into nothing.
Speedrun: This track delivers a more streamlined, albeit still unsettling, experience. A pulsating, almost hypnotic bassline forms the foundation, with sharp, metallic hi-hats cutting through the darkness. The arrangement is more spacious, allowing the individual elements to breathe, creating a sense of echoing isolation. It feels like a lone journey through an abandoned industrial complex, the rhythmic pulse your only companion.
Paranodial: The closing track embraces pure, unadulterated noise. Its a wall of distortion, a sonic maelstrom that threatens to consume everything in its path. The kick drum becomes a distant thunder, buried beneath layers of white noise and feedback. It's a challenging but ultimately cathartic experience, a release of tension that leaves you feeling drained and disoriented. It serves as the final collapse, the complete erasure of structure and form.
