Topography EP vinyl

The Swiss producer and mastering engineer, now rooted in Lisbon, Chlar returns with an evocative slab of techno that feels both ancient and forward facing. With over a dozen EPs under their belt, this latest four-tracker solidifies his mastery of atmospheric, rhythm-heavy sound design. Side-A opens with 'Altitude', a primal and hedonistic tribal techno cut that recalls the spirit of Blueprint Records or early James Ruskin. It's a raw, driving rhythm that feels carved out of stone, a cavernous groove echoing through the walls of a rhythm cave. 'Serac' follows with a deep bassline and a futuristic, yet organic pulse that balances modern machine funk with a ceremonial, ritualistic undertone. There's a timeless quality to the way it moves. Side-B begins with 'Lamin', perhaps the EP's most cinematic piece. It's clean and spacious, yet cloaked in tension, like an alien landscape where mystery simmers beneath the surface. 'Phantom Grid' closes the record with a no-nonsense percussive workout, all warehouse minimalism and skeletal intensity, perfect for peak-hour darkness. It's atmospheric, confident and comes with a big dose of sonic storytelling. What more could you want from your techno?!