The Hacker - Laser & Smoke
Just because the world's falling apart doesn't mean we can't have a little boogie. The Hacker, as an artist, has perfected the tongue-in-cheek side of electro, whether it be hard-hitting 80s-inspired synthesisers aimed at soliciting stomping legs or an off-the-wall use of vocals. Michel Amato is here for a good time. The latest addition to his repertoire, Laser & Smoke (2025), is coming to us courtesy of Rekids with the explicit intent to pump up the volume.
The Hacker uses this ironic approach deceptively well in the context of retrofuturist dance music. This time, the music feels like a trippy animation's take on the post-Y2K apocalypse. The first track, 'Turborave', captures a pretty swarthy feeling through its bass progression, yet the addition of shouts and 80s-inspired drums at levity that's really expanded upon as filtered white noise becomes the most recognisable element in the track. The stabs of white noise that appear over the bass progression feel to me as though they emulate the minute static hiss you used to get when changing channels on CRT TVs. Sticking to the trademark, 'Harmonia' uses a somewhat glitchy lead line that feels wholly oddball and conjures thoughts of shows like Ren and Stimpy or Rocko's Modern Life, where the animation was rather childish, but the subject matter felt more grotesque. It's the post-apocalypse with a splash of silliness.
As far as electro house goes, this is top-tier club music. It's bouncy, direct, and doesn't pull any punches. What becomes apparent after a few listens is that it doesn't take itself too seriously, and maybe I shouldn't either. The Hacker's entire sound is characterised by a lack of self-seriousness that is veiled in terms like vintage analogue or machine music. Still, this demonstrates just how human the tracks are. Built for purpose, not purpose being fun.
Tracklist:
Turborave
Harmonia
Label: Rekids Ltd (2025)
The Hacker - Laser & Smoke
