A true child of the 80s, Commuter has spent a lifetime absorbing the textures of Acid House, EBM, and New Beat. That encyclopaedic knowledge of the genre is on full display here, resulting in a collection of tracks that balance grit with mechanical elegance.
The title track, Oblivion, wears its Kraftwerk influence proudly, echoing the early dystopian vibes of Anthony Rother. From a production standpoint, the use of dreamy delays on the arpeggios provides a sense of vast, cinematic scale above a rock-solid bassline. Be Yourself follows with a more kinetic energy; it features beautifully discordant arpeggios and minimal leads that feel like a subtle nod to the Blade Runner aesthetic.
The driving force of Photonic lies in its “cold” synthesis, offering a stripped-back, minimal arrangement that allows the rhythmic bass to do the heavy lifting. The highlight for me, however, is Almost Predictable. The track is built around a robotic bassline and perfectly placed discordant stabs that create a palpable tension. As a musician, I find the way the building arpeggios eventually melt away particularly clever; the dark synths manage to convey that classic “hope through sadness” trope that made 80s electronic music so emotionally resonant. This is a highly recommended release for those who like their electro with a bit of soul.