Album Review: Tsvey – A Techno Odyssey from Poland
Released in 2017, Tsvey by the Polish duo of Bartek Kujawski and Piotr Połoz is a masterclass in atmospheric techno. Under the labels BDTA and Mik.Musik.!, this album feels like an auditory journey through shadowy warehouses, abandoned streets, and glitchy dreamscapes. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s raw, hypnotic, and unapologetically itself.
The album kicks off with "Haosa," which sets the tone immediately. The track layers pulsating beats with eerie synths that feel like they’re creeping up on you. There’s something about its relentless rhythm that sticks with you; maybe it’s how the bassline seems to breathe or how the high-pitched tones almost sound like whispers. Either way, it grabs your attention without begging for it. This isn’t background music—it demands your focus.
Another standout is "Ukufa." If "Haosa" feels like walking into the unknown, "Ukufa" is what happens when the unknown starts chasing you. The track builds tension with sharp stabs of percussion and haunting melodies that linger long after the song ends. You can tell Kujawski and Połoz put thought into every detail here—the way sounds drop out only to return stronger, keeping listeners hooked. It’s one of those tracks where you find yourself zoning out, lost in its intricate layers, then snapping back just as another wave of energy hits.
The rest of the album follows suit, weaving between minimalistic grooves ("Cinqecento 2004") and darker, more experimental vibes ("Geheime"). Tracks like "Oysbrekhn" showcase their knack for blending chaos with control, while others, such as "Cinqecento 2007," lean into a stripped-down aesthetic that somehow still feels full-bodied. Each piece flows seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive experience rather than just a collection of songs.
Credit goes to Wojciech Kucharczyk for the layout, which matches the vibe perfectly—clean yet slightly unsettling—and Łukasz Z Bałut’s photography adds another layer of intrigue. Even the recording quality deserves a nod; there’s a crispness to the production that lets each element shine without overshadowing the overall mood.
What makes Tsvey memorable isn’t just its technical brilliance—it’s the way it pulls you in emotionally. Listening to it feels like stepping into a world created by two people who know exactly what they’re doing, even if they leave some things unsaid. By the time the final notes fade, you’re left wondering: Did I just dance, think, or both?
Here’s the unexpected part—this album reminds me of why I fell in love with electronic music in the first place. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it spins that wheel so damn well. And honestly? That’s enough.
