L.F.T. - Minecrawler

L.F.T (Love, Fist, Tears), aka Johannes Haas, returns to Osàre! Editions for another scorching release. As ever, the German producer’s sonic palette is immediately recognisable as he manoeuvres through 1980s- inspired wave music and raw, rugged electro. Equal parts dancefloor elixir and cerebral wonderment, Minecrawler showcases Haas’ flair for freewheeling, chemical artistry, and experimentation.

Divided into heavy, vocal numbers on one side and potent, club-orientated material on the other, the EP is unified overall by the frigid crackle of drum machines, primal synths, and goth aesthetics. ‘Halbverdient’ opens up – made in collaboration with fellow cold wave renegade Konstantin Unwohl, the song captures the duo’s shared love for all things dark and driving.

Structured around pummelling basslines, the titular track follows, an electro breed of The Hague’s West Coast variety, and a perfect example of L.F.T’s signature sound. This is vampire music at its finest – fanged, winged, and seductively menacing. Despite its impromptu origins, arising out of a spontaneous jam session, ‘Auf Meiner Haut’ is slick and steady. Cracking some beers with musicians Bella and Viva, L.F.T invited the duo to improvise lyrics, resulting in their detached, icily amorous exchange. Apocalyptic groover ‘Broken 101’ is next up, with ‘Fear and Machines’ preceding, a sparking stomper burning with cool, electric heat.