Photo EP by Ed Jr & Gustavo Peluzo: A Techno Time Capsule from 2006
Alright, let’s talk about Photo EP, the little Brazilian techno gem that dropped in 2006 via Ads Records. This isn’t some grand, overblown album—it’s short, punchy, and straight to the point, like a good espresso shot for your ears. And honestly? That’s part of its charm.
First off, “G Eight” hits you right away with this hypnotic groove that feels like walking through neon-lit streets at 3 AM. It’s not trying too hard; it just is. The bassline slinks around like it owns the place, while these subtle synth stabs pop up every now and then like winks from a stranger across the room. What gets me is how effortlessly it pulls you in—you don’t even realize you’ve been nodding your head for five minutes straight. It’s one of those tracks where you think, “Man, I wish I was in some underground club in São Paulo when this came out.”
Then there’s “Photo,” which flips the vibe entirely. If “G Eight” is all sleek confidence, “Photo” is more introspective, almost dreamy. There’s something kinda raw about it, like they left a few rough edges on purpose. The melody drifts in and out, teasing you, making you lean closer to catch every detail. I swear, listening to it feels like staring at an old photograph—faded but full of stories you can almost hear if you listen hard enough. It sticks with you long after the track ends, like that one memory you can’t shake no matter how much time passes.
Now, I gotta say, this EP ain’t gonna be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s minimal, sure, and maybe even a bit repetitive if you’re not into that kind of thing. But for me, that’s what makes it special. Ed Jr & Gustavo Peluzo weren’t chasing trends or trying to reinvent the wheel here—they were just doing their thing, and doing it well.
You know what’s wild though? Listening to this now, 17 years later, it still feels fresh. Like, how does that happen? Maybe techno really is timeless, or maybe these guys just tapped into something universal. Either way, Photo EP reminds me that sometimes the best moments are the ones that sneak up on you when you least expect it. Kinda like finding an old mixtape in your junk drawer and realizing it’s exactly what you needed to hear today.
