Three Elements EP by DJ Pepo: A Techno Time Capsule from 2010
If you’re into electronic music, specifically techno that punches you in the gut and then invites you for a dance, Three Elements EP by DJ Pepo is worth your time. Released in 2010 via Naked Lunch—a label outta Portugal—this little gem feels like a forgotten artifact from an era when beats were rawer and DJs didn’t care about TikTok trends.
Let’s dive straight into two tracks that stuck with me because, honestly, my brain can only handle so much techno before it starts questioning life choices.
First up: "Pisha Eager." Man, this track slaps harder than your ex texting “we need to talk” at 2 AM. It kicks off with this hypnotic bassline that worms its way into your skull and refuses to leave (not that you’d want it to). The rhythm builds slowly but surely, layering in these glitchy synths that feel like they’re malfunctioning on purpose. By the halfway point, you're either sweating on a dancefloor or aggressively tapping your steering wheel pretending you’re cool. Either way, it works.
Then there’s "Judas City," which sounds exactly how I imagine a dystopian rave would feel if Blade Runner threw a party. Dark, brooding, and kinda menacing, this one creeps up on you like a shadow in an alleyway. There’s something eerie yet oddly comforting about the way the drums echo against the atmospheric pads—it’s moody without being overly dramatic. Like, yeah, we get it, Judas betrayed someone; now let us boogie while contemplating existential dread.
As for "Elliot"... well, I’ll admit I didn’t connect as much with this one. Maybe it was just having a bad day, who knows? But hey, not every track has to be your soulmate, right?
What makes Three Elements EP stand out isn’t just the production quality—it’s the vibe. DJ Pepo clearly had zero chill when crafting these tunes, blending dark undertones with infectious energy. Listening to this album feels like stepping into a smoky underground club where everyone’s too busy losing themselves to notice their shoes are sticking to the floor.
Here’s the kicker though: after spinning this record, I couldn’t help but wonder—why don’t more people talk about DJ Pepo? Is it because he hails from Portugal, and the world slept on his talent? Or maybe because Naked Lunch sounds like a restaurant where salads go to die? Whatever the reason, Three Elements EP deserves another listen, even if it’s over a decade old.
So grab your headphones, crank up the volume, and let DJ Pepo remind you why techno will always have a heartbeat—no matter what year it is. Oh, and if anyone asks why you’re suddenly obsessed with Portuguese techno, just shrug and say, “I dunno, man, it hit different.”
