It’s not our first rodeo with XPQ-21. Writing about the project in January 2024, we proudly declared ‘Where Minds Collide’ a “slice of intense, dark sound design packed with cinematic textures and majestic, anthemic vocals”. We stand by our words; the Berlin-based project holds an incredibly haunting and industrial aural character, bathing into nostalgic synthwave tones, new wave charisma and a hint of leftfield electronica, for good measure. ‘Dance The Devil’ navigates the same sea, but with a heightened attention placed on empowering, emboldened lyricism, and gritty, chaotic vocals.
This time around, XPQ-21 indulges in a more uplifting post-punk livery, partly gothic and decadent. There’s still a great deal of retro goodness in it, alongside a clearly hypnotic and cathartic charge. You see, the ethos behind ‘Dance The Devil’ is meant to be reflective and anthemic, sparking a journey of reckoning, resilience and personal glory. As XPQ-21 eloquently explains: “a ritual for all who know that freedom only begins once you stop silencing the voices in your head”.
Based in Germany, XPQ-21 is the brainchild of acclaimed techno and rave producer Jeyênne. Making a name for himself in the 90s, supporting the likes of Carl Cox and Richie Hawtin, among others, the talented producer and creative has now developed a luscious, goth-filled, electro artistic universe, the perfect home for XPQ-21.
Recommended! Discover ‘Dance The Devil’ on Spotify:
