PSTMRD's 'Lanzarote' ignites electronic imagination

There are electronic records that hum politely in the background, and then there are those that feel like they rearrange the air in the room. PSTMRD’s second album 'Lanzarote' is emphatically the latter. It’s a bold, immersive statement from an artist who understands that sound can be landscape, architecture, and emotion all at once.

The journey begins with 'Fullmoon', a single that throws open the gates. Pulsing rhythms flicker with microscopic precision, like coded transmissions bouncing off distant satellites. High-frequency details sparkle against a deep, steady undercurrent, creating a tension between clarity and mystery. There’s an undeniable nod to the golden age of cerebral electronica, yet the track never feels trapped in homage. It’s the kind of piece that demands headphones and rewards obsession; every listen reveals another hidden current beneath its surface.

Across the album’s seven tracks, PSTMRD constructs a world inspired by the stark, volcanic terrain of the island that lends the record its name. The highlight 'Dune' featuring the haunting presence of Francesca Bisacchi, introduces a fragile human thread into the circuitry, her voice drifting through the mix like wind across shifting sands. The interplay between organic vulnerability and machine-driven precision is breathtaking.

Then there’s the sprawling title-track, stretching beyond the ten-minute mark without ever losing momentum. It unfolds patiently, layering modular synth passages and evolving patterns into a vast, cinematic arc. It’s a gradual ascent through shifting terrain that feels both meditative and exhilarating.

Technically, 'Lanzarote' is a masterclass. And what makes this album electrifying is its fearless scale. 'Lanzarote' is immersive, meticulous, and emotionally charged that feels alive, crackling with volcanic intensity and luminous detail.