5 Years of Granulart: A Techno Love Letter That Still Hits Hard
Man, I gotta say, 5 Years of Granulart is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not just another techno compilation—it feels like a vibe, a mood, a whole energy bottled into 8 tracks. Released back in 2018 by Granulart Recordings (shoutout to Spain for keeping the underground alive), this album celebrates half a decade of raw, unfiltered electronic grit. And damn, does it deliver.
Let me break it down real quick. First off, the tracklist reads like a dream lineup for any techno head—Cyclone, Shining Stones, GAS, and more remixes than you can shake a glowstick at. But two tracks really stuck with me, burrowing deep into my brain like an earworm you don’t wanna get rid of.
“GAS”—oh man, where do I even start? This tune grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. The original version is hypnotic as hell, all pulsing basslines and eerie atmospheres that feel like wandering through a neon-lit maze at 3 AM. You know when music makes your chest vibrate but also gives you goosebumps? That’s “GAS.” Then there’s the Substance Remix—it flips the script completely. Suddenly, you’re not lost anymore; you’re running. Running from what? No clue. But the beat keeps pushing you forward, relentless and unforgiving. It’s the kind of track that reminds you why techno exists—to make you feel alive, even if you’re just standing still.
And then there’s “Disturbed (Kessell Alternative Remix).” This one hit different. Like, emotionally hit different. There’s something about the way Kessell twists the original—it starts off dark and brooding, almost claustrophobic, but then BAM! This shimmering synth line cuts through like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. It’s bittersweet, haunting, yet oddly hopeful. Every time I hear it, I think about late-night drives or staring out a rain-speckled window while life happens outside. It’s messy, beautiful, and human—all rolled into six minutes of pure sonic wizardry.
The rest of the album holds its own too. Tracks like “Moving Particles” and “Haymaker” bring that classic techno punch, perfect for peak-hour dancefloor moments. But honestly, it’s those deeper, moodier cuts that stay with you long after the party ends.
So yeah, 5 Years of Granulart isn’t just some random anniversary release—it’s a testament to how much heart goes into underground music. These artists didn’t set out to make hits; they made art. And weirdly enough, listening to it now feels kinda nostalgic, even though it came out five years ago. Maybe because it reminds me of simpler times when clubs were temples and beats were everything.
Here’s the kicker though—this album made me realize something kinda wild. Techno isn’t just music; it’s therapy. Whether you’re losing yourself in “GAS” or finding solace in “Disturbed,” these tracks remind you that sometimes chaos sounds exactly like healing. Who knew techno could be so… profound?
