Album Review: Aeras by Sterac – A Techno Gem That Sticks
If you’re into electronic music and haven’t heard Aeras by Sterac yet, you’re kinda missing out. Released in 2019 under the Dutch label Indigo Aera, this album is a no-nonsense dive into raw techno vibes. It’s not trying too hard to impress—it just does. With only two tracks, P909 and Aeras, it feels more like a punchy statement than a full-blown album. But hey, sometimes less really is more.
Let’s start with P909. This track hits you right away with its gritty kick drum and haunting synth stabs. The rhythm has this hypnotic shuffle that grabs your attention without screaming for it. You know those moments when you're zoning out, maybe walking home late at night or staring blankly at your coffee cup? Yeah, P909 fits perfectly there. It’s minimal but layered enough to keep things interesting. There’s something about the way the hi-hats shimmer—they feel almost alive, like they’re teasing you to move but also daring you to sit still. I can’t get that beat out of my head; it’s stuck in my brain like an earworm you actually want around.
Then there’s the title track, Aeras. Oh man, this one’s different. Where P909 feels tight and focused, Aeras opens up wide, breathing space into the mix. The bassline rumbles beneath eerie pads that sound like they were recorded in some abandoned warehouse in Rotterdam (or maybe that’s just me romanticizing). What makes Aeras unforgettable is how it builds tension so subtly—you don’t even realize you’re hooked until the drop sneaks up on you. And when it does, whoa. It’s not flashy or over-the-top; instead, it feels organic, like the music itself is alive and evolving as you listen.
The artwork by Daan Hageman deserves a shoutout too. It’s simple but striking—a perfect match for the stripped-back aesthetic of the music. Like the tracks themselves, it doesn’t try too hard, which is exactly why it works.
Sterac (aka Steve Rachmad) clearly knows his stuff. He’s been around the block long enough to understand what makes techno tick, and he nails it here. Writing both tracks himself gives the project a cohesive feel, like these songs are two sides of the same coin.
So yeah, Aeras might be short, but it leaves a mark. In a world where playlists are endless and everyone’s chasing the next big hit, this little release reminds us that quality trumps quantity every time. Honestly, though, the best part? Listening to it makes me want to go dig through old records again. Weird, right? Maybe that’s the magic of good techno—it doesn’t just make you dance; it makes you think. Or maybe I’m just overthinking it while sipping bad coffee. Either way, give it a spin.
