Buy link: smarturl.it/rad_ep
Berlin-based storyteller Powel has spoiled us.
He delivers four completely unique records, each knocking through the speakers with fierce percussion, and melodies that glide and fly, carrying the listener off to somewhere else. On each cut, he exhibits his mastery of joyful keys and exquisite drum programming, never missing the opportunity to craft delicious, exciting grooves that are sure to ring out around clubs worldwide.
The title track, ‘RAD’, shares the same name as the 1986 film, which inspired the EP, and it takes us on a progressive journey, with beautiful synth pads and subtle vocal manipulations layered over a strong, knocking drum beat that builds in intensity as the track progresses.
Not content with stopping there, Powel cuts in and out with stunning synth lines and a snare drum that instantly makes your head bounce — a statement of intent for the quality of music that is to follow on this EP.
The project’s second song, Out Of Fashion, instantly catches the listener’s attention with a stiff, marching beat, eerie stabs and a manipulated vocal sample that swings around the drums. But quickly, the vocoder melts into a gorgeous, pulsating synth line that is urgently propelled along by the percussion towards its crescendo.
Then we’re transported deep into Powel’s mind for the third cut, where he treats us to a gorgeous slice of melodic goodness on Wine & Cigarettes. It is good-natured and has an old-school groove that grips you and promises to never let go.
And suddenly, just like that, we reach Ode To A Carrot, which takes the form of a euphoric dream, set in a warehouse party in the 90s. Powel serves us a fat, squelchy bassline that is unlike anything else we have heard from him before.
Meshed with wavy pads and a pounding kick drum to create a funky dancefloor anthem, this acts as the perfect closer for a body of work that speaks volumes about a producer who seems incapable of producing mediocre music.
As if that wasn’t already enough, the EP is complete with a remix package featuring Haider Uppal and Timo Chinala, Mark Slee, Lauren Ritter, and Brigade. Again, each remix takes the original track in a completely unexpected direction, delighting the listener and highlighting every moment of joy from Powel’s original creations.
Release date: September 10th, 2021.