Synths Drum Machines by Stoik: A Hidden Gem in Electronic Music
If you’re into electronic music that messes with your brain while keeping your feet tapping, Synths Drum Machines by Stoik is worth a spin. Released back in 2012 on the Not On Label (yep, it’s as indie as it sounds), this Canadian project dives deep into genres like IDM, Broken Beat, Ambient, and Techno. It’s not perfect—sometimes it feels raw—but hey, isn’t that what makes underground stuff so cool?
Let me break it down for ya. The album kicks off strong with “75,” which just sticks to your skull. It's got these glitchy beats layered over warm synths that feel kinda nostalgic, like an old VHS tape of memories you never actually had. Every time I hear it, I imagine walking through some neon-lit city at night, even though I live nowhere near anything remotely neon-lit. It’s weirdly cinematic without trying too hard.
Then there’s “Colour Dimensions”—the track that made me go, “Whoa, wait… rewind!” There’s something about how the rhythms stutter and shift under lush pads. It’s hypnotic but doesn’t lull you into boredom; instead, it keeps you guessing where it’s headed next. Honestly, I’ve listened to this one on repeat during late-night coding sessions—it’s the kind of tune that makes work feel less… well, worky.
Other tracks like “New Hypothetical Highways” (okay, fine, it’s just "New Highways") and “ET-301” keep things interesting too. They blend intricate percussion with dreamy soundscapes, making each listen slightly different from the last. And let’s not forget “Dusty Eclectics Part I & II”—it’s like two sides of the same coin, both chill yet full of texture. You can tell Stoik put thought into every little detail here.
What strikes me most about Synths Drum Machines is its DIY charm. This isn’t some polished mega-production designed to top charts—it’s personal, almost intimate. Listening feels like peeking into someone’s sketchbook rather than admiring a finished painting. That rough-around-the-edges vibe? Totally works.
So yeah, if you dig experimental electronica that doesn’t take itself too seriously, give this one a shot. Plus, supporting independent artists always feels good, right? Just don’t expect mainstream vibes—this is more like a secret handshake between you and the music.
Oh, fun fact: after finishing the album, I realized my cat had been sitting on my lap the whole time, completely entranced. Maybe she knows something we don’t.
