Stretch by Lexicon: A Breakbeat Gem from 1997
Released in '97, Stretch by Lexicon is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not perfect, but it’s got this raw energy that feels alive even decades later. The US-based duo behind the project—DJ L. La-Monde and Iost Gerisher—crafted something special here, blending breakbeat, electro, and techno into a cohesive yet unpredictable ride. Released via Plastic City America, the album still holds its own today, thanks to some killer production choices and Don Grossinger’s mastering magic.
Let’s talk tracks. First off, “Funk Corner (US Remix)” grabs your attention right away. It's punchy, with these gritty beats layered over funky basslines that just won’t quit. There’s a swagger to it—an almost playful confidence—that makes it stick in your head long after the track ends. You can tell DJ L. La-Monde and Gerisher weren’t afraid to experiment; they let the rhythm breathe while keeping things tight enough to keep dancers moving. This cut reminds me why breakbeat was such a big deal back then—it’s got personality without trying too hard.
Then there’s “Strech” (yeah, spelled like that). Honestly, it feels like the heart of the album. The synths have this moody, atmospheric vibe, but they’re balanced out by sharp percussion hits that give it an edge. Listening to it feels like wandering through a neon-lit city at night—lonely but kinda beautiful. The track builds slowly, pulling you deeper until you forget where you started. It’s haunting in all the right ways, and honestly? That’s what keeps bringing me back.
The rest of the album follows suit—tracks like “Rejuvenate” and “Superstar (Advice Mix)” bring their own flavors to the table, though none hit quite as hard as the two mentioned above. Still, the variety works. You get a sense of how much fun the producers were having while making this thing. Sure, it’s not groundbreaking by today’s standards, but for ‘97? This was fresh stuff.
Looking back, Stretch feels like a snapshot of its time—a moment when electronic music was evolving fast, and artists were pushing boundaries without worrying about trends. What stands out most isn’t just the sound, though. It’s the attitude. These guys weren’t chasing perfection—they were chasing vibes, and damn if they didn’t nail it.
Here’s the kicker: listening to Stretch now feels like finding an old mixtape in the bottom of a drawer. It’s nostalgic, sure, but also kinda surprising. Like, wow, people used to make music like this? Yeah, they did—and thank god they did.
