mentalEscape presents: Upgrade, a new album with a 90s-inspired twist.

mentalEscape recently announced a new release titled "Upgrade." The album explores various genres within the electronic music realm, including breakbeats, big beats, industrial, and so much more. The sound has an undeniable edge, making it punchy and aggressive from the start but without compromising the groove. The aesthetics of the album rely on effects such as saturation and compression, not only as a way to glue everything together but also to enhance the dynamics to the forefront of the mix. Despite this, there's still ample space for melody. The songwriting is thoughtful and purposeful. It's not just a "wall of sound" but a set of arrangements with solid foundations to hold it together. The arrangement is meticulous, with layers locking in perfectly to create an immersive listening experience.

The opener, "Pasha's Night Out," sets the mood with a tribal-like rhythm and a dynamic arrangement that will surprise the listener. The second song, "Keep Going," heavily relies on 90s-flavor beats, with a huge snare and textures reminiscent of classic British electronic music with an alternative touch. "The Salton Sea" follows along a similar stylistic footprint, but there is more room for melodic parts, especially in the form of soaring synth leads. The bass is articulate and saturated, perfectly cutting through and locking in with the beat. "0s and 1s" is another highlight, and it is perhaps the most club-oriented track on this release, especially for its relentless rhythm and sound.

"Persistence" is one of the album's highlights, especially in combining classic breakbeat patterns with ambient synth soundscapes, creating a huge dynamic range. On the other end, songs like "Hype" showcase a different side to this release, namely its most hard-hitting and intense side. The energy is off the charts, and the song has a gritty, uncompromising approach that makes it stand out. As the title suggests, "AmenBr8k" is an homage to sampling culture, and the groove is a spin on the famous "Amen Break" rhythm that has found its way into many recordings and productions. It never gets old; this song is another great example of keeping that style alive and fresh. "Old Town" follows with a different twist. The mid-tempo touch has a cinematic feel. The beat slows down, but there is more room for other elements, such as the ambient tones and synth melodies, to stand out.

"Night Drive," the next-to-last song, has a bouncy and hypnotic rhythm with a bass line reminiscent of 80s electronic music or contemporary retro-wave, while still retaining a gritty 90s flavor to the production.

To conclude, "Odyssey" is one of the album's most ambitious songs (in fact, it also happens to be the longest) and showcases the artist's ability to constantly experiment with new arrangement ideas. Similar to artists like The Prodigy, The Crystal Method, or Does It Offend You, Yeah? This release leans heavily on synths, drum machines, and electronic elements, but the production steers clear of feeling too polished. Many modern electronic acts rely heavily on presets and production shortcuts, sticking too closely to their genre's formula. In contrast, this release maintains an organic touch that feels raw and authentic. It's the kind of high-power electronic music that will thrive on stage thanks to its perfect balance of energy and controlled chaos.

This release raises the bar with a dynamic sound infused with a retro twist. While it carries the unmistakable flavor of '90s influences, it's not a mere nostalgia trip. Instead, it takes those influences and translates them into something contemporary. As a result, the sound feels classic and forward-thinking, paying homage to the original scene while pushing the boundaries and keeping the spirit alive. Find out more and listen.