Indie Dance

Brussels-based up-and-coming talent Ikaro Grati marks his Feines Tier debut with the four track SEARCH LANGUAGE EP. As Ikaro himself puts it, it’s „an euphonious exploration of the new generation, weaving together their hopes, dreams, challenges, and contradictions into a sonic tapestry“. And indeed, if this sound represents the new generation, then we’re in good hands! It’s diverse and sprawling, yet laser-focused in its production.

Take the title track with its clear-cutting drum patterns, warm basslines and super-sharp lead sounds, the picture is clear, no smudge on the lense to distort our view. Or „Run Like A Child“ with its bouncing vocal samples and synth arpeggios creating a playful and whimsical vibe, „reflecting the vibe of hope and renewal“ as Ikaro himself puts it. „Social Syndrome“ gets more serious with pulsing 303s and dramatic string pads. Ikaro says „the track is about the pressure of the younger generation to be constantly connected and the social anxiety that can result“, for example by social media tending to create unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy.

The EP closes with the bangin’ „New Leaf Generation“, which alternates urging vocal loops with intense synth explorations. The tune culminates in a break introducing beautiful poly-synth chord progressions before throwing us back into the relentless groove of before. „This track evokes a sense of hope and optimism, as it describes a generation that is standing up for what they believe“ says Ikaro. Let’s celebrate them for that!

Cover art: Yan Bapala