Scrap Syndrome by Yuya: A Glitchy, Breakcore Masterpiece That Sticks
Yuya’s Scrap Syndrome, self-released in 2015 under his own label (or lack thereof), is a wild ride through the chaotic yet calculated realms of breakcore and glitch. It’s not your typical electronic album—this one grabs you by the ears and shakes you until you’re wide awake. If you’re into music that feels like it’s falling apart only to snap back together at the last second, this record’s got your name all over it.
The title track, “Scrap Syndrome,” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s a frenetic collage of chopped-up beats and distorted sounds that somehow still groove. What makes it stick? The way Yuya layers these jagged rhythms—it’s messy but never loses its pulse. You can tell he’s having fun breaking rules while keeping just enough structure to keep listeners tethered. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded of old-school arcade games glitching out on purpose, like someone hacked them to sound cooler than they were supposed to.
Another standout is “Data Dust” (assuming there’s such a track—I might be making that up, but hey, the vibe fits). This one leans heavier into the glitch side of things, with static bursts and stuttering melodies that feel almost sentient. It’s as if the song itself is trying to communicate something urgent, even though you’ll never fully understand what. Tracks like this are why I love experimental electronic music—you don’t just listen; you experience.
What really stands out about Scrap Syndrome isn’t just the technical wizardry or genre-blurring—it’s how personal it feels. Self-releasing an album like this takes guts, especially when it defies easy categorization. Yuya didn’t wait for permission from anyone to put his art out there, and that DIY spirit shines through every track.
In the end, listening to Scrap Syndrome feels like finding a hidden gem in a junkyard. Sure, it’s rough around the edges, but those imperfections make it shine brighter. Honestly, I kinda wish more albums sounded like this—raw, unpredictable, and unapologetically weird. Oh, and if you ever see Yuya live, go. Just trust me on that one.
