Words by Maria Wang

So we’ve been anticipating Melbourne-based Recluse‘s debut EP for a little while now — and boy does he make it worth the wait. Released via LA’s One Eight Hundred, the 4-track offering ‘Hinata‘ really couldn’t make for a more ideal representation of the uniquely forward-thinking and genre-defying sound Recluse has purposefully curated for himself over the past few years.

In ‘Hinata‘, the young producer sends you on a journey to explore the distinct yet cohesive mystical worlds he has masterfully conjured across the four tracks. Recluse plays with opposites both within and between the tracks, balancing shrill industrial crackling, video-game bleeps and relentless, jersey-influenced bass drums against soft soundscapes that feature utopian, bird-like samples and airy, sing-song synths. It’s these well-manipulated contrasts between tension and release and the carefully placed dapples of darkness within the blissful melodies that impressively carries out the EP’s story-line and energy.

Recluse‘s complete re-imagination of traditional club music has certainly proved himself as one to watch. His tour record with the likes of Falcons, The Aston Shuffle and Sh?m goes to show it. Have a listen to ‘Hinata‘ below, and let us know whether you like it as much as we do… if you do, you can download it for FREE here!