Mirza Causevic, the driving force behind mentalEscape, isn't just a seasoned electronic music producer; he's a sonic architect. Hailing from Sarajevo, his music transcends geographical boundaries, weaving a tapestry of influences that range from the hard-hitting breakbeats of The Prodigy to the atmospheric depths of Nine Inch Nails. With ‘Upgrade’, his latest album, Causevic takes us on a captivating journey through sound, seamlessly blending electronica, world music, and a touch of nostalgia.
It's an album a year in the making, and it shows. Each track is meticulously crafted, a testament to Causevic's dedication to his craft. The album kicks off with ‘Pasha's Night Out’, a fascinating blend of organic folk melodies reminiscent of Causevic's Balkan roots and industrial-tinged electronica. This sets the stage for an album that defies categorisation, constantly shifting and evolving.
One of the album's greatest strengths is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while remaining resolutely forward-thinking. Tracks like ‘Keep Going’ channel the raw energy of nineties alternative dance acts like The Prodigy, while ‘The Salton Sea’ throws back to an era of manic euphoria and infectious tunes. Yet, both tracks retain a distinct originality, thanks to Causevic's unique approach to sound design and composition.
‘Upgrade’ is not just an album for dancing; it's an album for dreaming. Tracks like ‘0s and 1s’ conjure images of late-night pirate radio sessions and the raw energy of early electronic music. ‘Persistence’ plunges us into a darker, more intense soundscape, showcasing Causevic's impressive versatility.
The album also offers moments of pure electronic bliss. ‘Hype’ and ‘AmenBr8k’ deliver timeless breakbeat grooves that wash over the listener, offering an escape from the everyday. ‘Old Town’ revisits the Balkan influences introduced earlier, while ‘Night Drive’ injects a dose of eighties synthwave energy, further demonstrating the breadth of Causevic's musical palette.
The album concludes with ‘Odyssey,’ a hauntingly beautiful track that blends ethereal strings with cinematic textures. It's a fitting end to an album that is both deeply personal and universally appealing, ensuring it lingers with you long after the album has faded to silence.
‘Upgrade’ is an impressive musical odyssey that takes the listener on a journey through time and textures. Fans of artists like The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim, and The Chemical Brothers will find much to love here, but ‘Upgrade’ is more than just a nostalgic throwback. It's a testament to the power of originality and the enduring appeal of electronic music.
With ‘Upgrade’, mentalEscape has delivered one of the most captivating and rewarding instrumental albums of the year. Don’t miss it.
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