The Dutch duo based in Berlin, Robin Koek and Nick Lapien, better known as Artefakt, are starting a new chapter in their De Stijl narrative; the record label they founded in 2019 with the goal to further explore their sound and host affiliated projects and collaborations with like-minded friends. The latter takes the first significant step and starts the new series 'Collaborations,' with the idea to capture extended studio improvisations and craft an EP based on live sessions. For the inaugural release in the series, Artefakt welcomes their close friend and fellow Berliner, Claudio PRC. 

'Collaborations I' seems like a match made in heaven where Artefakt and Claudio bring their A-game and deliver a four-track release that explores depths of hypnotic, atmospheric techno, and ambient. The release has two faces. The A-side sees Artefakt and Claudio PRC channeling their inner atmospheric techno side with dance floor DNA all over it. Where on the B-side, things slow down and gradually dissolve into gauzy layers of a melancholic drone. 

The story unfolds with 'Gaia.' A mood piece with a rumbling groove and deep emotional undercurrents. A defining element of 'Gaia' is an unsettling piano that flourishes and warbles with atmospheric textures to create a complex take on melancholy. 'Dwelling' continues in a similar fashion and builds on the abstract sonic world with its long, lush cosmic pads and familiar deep techno sequence. 'Gaia' is the stand out of two, but 'Dwelling' sounds like a more versatile chameleon track that could find a place at various times during the night in DJ sets. 

The B-side kicks off with 'Sonic Rite,' our premiere for today. 'Sonic Rite' calms things down with a significant drop in pace but keeps the same hypnotic atmosphere with an ever-evolving bassline sequence and far-east-inspired flute-like melodies. An otherworldly female voice adds a nice transcendental touch that falls like a jigsaw into the place of this mesmerizing 'slow-burner.' 

'Collaborations I' closes with 'Distant Light,' a dark drone ambient journey that sounds like a glacial majesty with peaceful oscillations. It's an ideal listening piece for moments of tranquility and self-reflection. 

With 'Collaborations I,' the first chapter of the series that features Delsin affiliate Claudio PRC, Artefakt sets the bar high and gets us excited for what is to come. 'Collaborations I' will be available in record stores and streaming services on March 25th.