Listen to the release here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2oObxhExTtFiJSxo5Zn1xx
Luca Draccar’s “The Dark Side” EP unfolds with “Bad at Love Since Forever,” a track that immediately establishes a haunting yet beautiful soundscape. Distorted basslines intertwine with ethereal synthesizers, creating a layered melody that evokes a tension between vulnerability and strength, mirroring the complex emotions of a love just out of reach. While more directly electronic than much of Massive Attack’s work, this opening track shares a similar capacity to create an immersive and emotionally resonant atmosphere.
The second track, “Outlaws Division,” shifts the energy with a pulsating drive. Overdriven kicks and jagged synth lines propel the listener into a state of rebellious freedom. This track’s raw power and relentless groove, while more overtly energetic, share Massive Attack’s ability to completely envelop the listener in a distinct sonic environment.
Moving to the third track, “Reckless Flower” takes a more melodic and introspective turn. Blending neo-romantic undertones with distorted, almost supernatural soundscapes, the result is a surreal and dreamlike experience. The interplay between delicate melodies and unpredictable sonic textures echoes Massive Attack’s signature approach of layering contrasting elements to create unique emotional landscapes.
Finally, “Branded Your Brain” closes the EP with deep basslines and smoky textures, crafting a moody and cinematic atmosphere. The playful arrangement, which explores themes of truth and illusion, leaves a lasting impression. The way Luca Draccar crafts this darker sonic texture with an underlying emotional depth brings to mind the pioneering work of Massive Attack. Like Massive Attack, who masterfully combined electronic elements with a sense of cinematic unease and profound feeling, Draccar builds soundscapes that are both immersive and emotionally resonant. The subtle layers, the use of bass to create a sense of weight, and the overall moody ambiance in “Branded Your Brain” share a certain kinship with the trip-hop sensibilities and evocative sonic storytelling that define Massive Attack’s signature sound.
Luca Draccar is a name that commands attention in the techno and electronic music world. Based in Berlin but carrying the fiery creativity of his Italian roots, Luca is a sonic alchemist who blends shimmering techno with dark, exotic rhythms to craft music that is as hypnotic as it is innovative. His artistry transcends the boundaries of traditional electronic music, bringing together pulsating beats, glitchy synths, and deeply emotional melodies. A graduate of Bauhaus Universität Weimar with a background in multimedia communication and interactive design, Draccar’s career began with spinning records at Milanese underground raves and has since blossomed into a global journey of creative discovery. “The Dark Side,” which Draccar considers his most intricate and meaningful project, is a testament to his evolution. Rooted in honesty and emotional complexity, the EP showcases Draccar’s skill in balancing raw feeling with cutting-edge production, solidifying his place as a compelling voice in contemporary electronic music.
