Flat by John Fux & Palms Croatti: A Techno Journey That Stays With You
Let’s get one thing straight—Flat isn’t your run-of-the-mill techno album. Released back in 2017 under Egothermia Records, this Dutch duo (John Fux and Palms Croatti) crafted something that feels like a late-night drive through an empty city. It's raw, it's moody, and honestly? It sticks to you like gum on a shoe.
The title track, "Flat," kicks things off with a hypnotic beat that sneaks up on you. At first listen, it’s just another banger, but then the layers start peeling away. There’s this subtle melody buried deep in the mix—like whispers you can’t quite catch—and before you know it, you're lost in its rhythm. I remember playing this track while staring out my window during a rainstorm, and damn if it didn’t feel like the music was syncing with the drops hitting the glass. It’s not flashy or overproduced; instead, it lets the vibe speak for itself. That’s what makes it unforgettable.
Then there’s “Winter.” If “Flat” is introspective, “Winter” is downright cold—but in the best way possible. The synths here are sharp, almost icy, cutting through the air like frosty winds. But beneath all that chill, there’s this weird warmth creeping in, like finding sunlight breaking through gray clouds. I don’t know how they pulled it off, but it’s hauntingly beautiful. Every time I hear it, I think about those moments when life feels frozen yet full of quiet hope. Yeah, it’s heavy stuff.
What strikes me most about Flat is how unapologetically human it feels despite being purely electronic. These aren’t just beats designed to make you move—they’re stories told without words. And sure, maybe part of me wishes there were more tracks because eight songs felt too short. But hey, sometimes less really is more.
Here’s the kicker: after listening to this album, I realized how rare it is to find music that doesn’t try too hard. No gimmicks, no forced climaxes—just pure, stripped-down emotion wrapped in techno goodness. Honestly? This album might be flat in name, but it hits harder than most.
Now go ahead, give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up zoning out for hours.
