‘MIND’ marks the debut of Hamburg-based creative talent XINTRA. Formerly known as CHASING TALES, the project stems from the boundless, visionary artistry of Heiko Ritt, composer and producer with a keen eye for the leftfield and the liminal. ‘MIND’ reflects exactly that. Drenched in crepuscular soundscapes and obscure electronica, the track blends kinetic and ethereal sound design with a great deal of evocative character. XINTRA’s vocals are found wrapped into a futuristic, vocoder-like goo, giving the record even more of an otherworldly sheen.
What’s not to like? Ritt’s musical output reminds us of Apparat and Bonobo, among others, although it carries a profoundly unique aura. ‘MIND’ is taken from a forthcoming EP, ‘DAYDREAMS’, expected on June 5th, while the EP itself will go on to form a cohesive, long album, ‘DAYDREAMS & NIGHTTERRORS’. It’s easy to imagine the final product as a dualistic offering, something that’s also suggested from its contrasting title. Perhaps we’ll see a brighter side, and a darker one, although we trust that XINTRA has more complex and meaningful plans for the future.
As we are told, ‘MIND’ also celebrates a personal milestone for the German artist, as he embraces a new chapter in his creative career: “This new chapter is born from a year of traumatic change and learning. While creating XINTRA as a musical and creative space to process, feel, experiment and dream, he found a new approach to his art.” An EP release show at the legendary Birdland Club in Hamburg is planned for later this year.
Recommended! Discover ‘MIND’ now: