RELEASE | Shaleen – Treatise On A Narcissist [Spellbound]

In Greek mythology, the story of Echo and Narcissus is an enduring illustration of the dangers of vanity and the agony of twisted, unrequited love. Taking inspiration from that cautionary tale, Berlin based DJ & producer Shaleen brings the characters to life on her EP of hugely emotive, sometimes harrowing techno. Shaleen’s sound palette is brilliantly anthropomorphic; the title track’s ricocheting synths fire like addled synapses, and the huge kicks and frantic, pattering rhythm of ‘Nymphomaniac’ come on like a pounding heartbeat and panic-stricken footsteps. The standout though is ‘Fused By Desire’, where she wrings heartbreak out of hypnotic techno via bittersweet chords and lovestruck, mirage-like arpeggios.”