Manhattan by Acean: A Techno-Electro Odyssey That Sticks With You
If you’re into the kind of music that feels like it’s pulling your brain through a neon-lit wormhole, Manhattan by Acean is worth every second. Released in 2016 under Soho Six Records (USA), this album dives headfirst into the realms of techno and electro with a vibe so raw it almost feels alive. It’s not perfect—some tracks drag or feel repetitive—but when it hits, it really hits. And trust me, there are moments here that’ll stick to your ribs.
Take “Window Walkers,” for instance. This track? Pure magic. The beat builds slow, like you're walking alone at night in some forgotten part of the city. You can practically hear the hum of streetlights flickering above you. Then BAM—it drops, and suddenly you’re sprinting down an empty alleyway, heart pounding, chased by… something. I dunno what. Maybe your own thoughts. Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter because the groove keeps pushing you forward. By the time the synths kick back in, layered and buzzing like electricity on a wet wire, you realize you’ve been holding your breath. That’s the thing about “Window Walkers”—it’s not just a song; it’s an experience. One listen, and you’ll swear the city itself whispered secrets into your ear.
Then there’s “Rainy Bemelmans.” Oh man, this one sneaks up on ya. At first, it’s all soft pads and distant echoes, kinda dreamy even. But then these glitchy little blips start creeping in, like raindrops hitting pavement after midnight. And before you know it, the bassline locks in, steady and hypnotic, pulling you deeper into its world. There’s something melancholy about it, but also comforting, like sitting by a window watching the storm roll in while sipping cheap coffee from a diner mug. Weirdly enough, it reminds me of those days where nothing goes right, but somehow everything still feels okay. Like life hasn’t given up on you yet.
The rest of the album? Solid, though maybe not as memorable as those two standouts. Tracks like “Madison Winter B/W” and “Encyclical Blood Moon” have their moments, but they don’t quite grab you the same way. Still, the production quality is tight throughout, and Acean clearly knows how to craft soundscapes that transport you somewhere else entirely.
So yeah, Manhattan. It’s not gonna change your life or anything, but it might make you see the city—and yourself—a little differently. Listening to it feels like wandering through streets you’ve never walked before, finding beauty in places you didn’t expect. Honestly, isn’t that what good music’s supposed to do?
Oh, and here’s a random thought—I bet if Blade Runner had a rave scene, this would be playing in the background. Just saying.
