Alan Fitzpatrick’s Amsterdam: A Techno Time Capsule That Still Bangs
If you’re a fan of gritty, atmospheric beats that feel like they’ve been soaked in fog and neon lights, Alan Fitzpatrick’s 2009 album Amsterdam is your jam. Released under the UK-based label 8 Sided Dice Recordings, this record dives deep into techno and dub techno vibes, pulling you into its hypnotic groove with tracks that linger long after the needle lifts.
Let’s talk about two cuts from this gem: “Heiko Laux’s Berlin Overdub” and “Amsterdam Original.” These aren’t just tunes—they’re experiences.
“Heiko Laux’s Berlin Overdub” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s got this pulsating bassline that feels like it’s crawling up your spine while whispering secrets in your ear. The rhythm doesn’t rush; instead, it builds tension so smoothly you almost forget you’re being led somewhere until—BAM—it drops, and suddenly you’re lost in a warehouse rave inside your head. This track sticks with me because it’s moody but not pretentious. You could blast it at 3 AM on an empty city street or chill alone in your room, letting the layers unfold like a sonic onion (yeah, I said it).
Then there’s “Amsterdam Original,” which is basically what happens when someone bottles the essence of late-night wanderlust. Its rolling drums paired with those haunting pads give off serious "lost traveler" vibes. Listening to it feels like walking through Amsterdam itself—cobblestone streets slick with rain, distant echoes of trams clinking by, and that low hum of life buzzing beneath it all. There’s something raw yet comforting about how unapologetically minimal it is. No bells, no whistles—just pure, stripped-back techno magic.
What makes Amsterdam special isn’t just its sound—it’s the way it transports you. Whether you’re nodding along in a club or zoning out on headphones, these tracks have this sneaky ability to make you feel like part of something bigger than yourself. And honestly? That’s rare for any album, let alone one over a decade old.
Here’s the kicker though—listening to Amsterdam today feels kinda rebellious. In a world obsessed with shiny hyperpop drops and TikTok-friendly bangers, this album reminds us that sometimes less really is more. Or maybe it’s just proof that good music never goes outta style. Either way, if you haven’t spun this baby yet, do yourself a favor and press play. Who knows? Maybe it’ll take you somewhere unexpected too… like straight back to 2009, dancing under strobe lights in some forgotten underground club.
