From the land down under comes an exciting new sound from maverick Pete Laskis. With the recent release of tempestuous EP “SpiceBomb,” the Australian native makes his refused. Records debut. On his EP “Spicebomb,” Pete Laskis goes deep and grasps a special resonance in his sound with three tracks—Joker, Spicebomb, and Flowerbomb. Each track embodies a darkly majestic sound entirely unique and uncanny. After two previous EP releases, Laskis is solidifying his spot in the world of electronic music by fusing his pulsating roots with an obscurer sound, qualities dripping with perfection for dim and foggy dance floors.
The tracks off the EP are deep and ominous, while remaining hauntingly appealing. Flowerbomb ends the EP with a raw and corky techno sound. Its experimental qualities and droid-influenced sound sets this mix apart from the sister tracks. Spicebomb starts with a low rumbling tone and is carried through by a deep and full bassline. Hollow and industrial sounds move about the track with muffled growls giving it life. A kick drum and manipulated low voice sparks Joker and sounds of wind chimes cluster until it builds into a techno stormer.
Pete Laskis is a Melbourne based producer/DJ who first started collecting records and spinning wax at the age of 16. What first started off as a goof and just a way to pass time, turned into a hobby, and soon after, a full blown passion. By the age of 19, Laskis was playing at local parties and clubs and began breaking through by holding weekly residencies in some of Melbourne’s biggest underground nightclubs.
After finding himself mesmerized by the music of several techno heavyweights like Sven Vath, Richi Hawtin, and Dubfire, Laskis headed to Europe to experience the scene in person. He returned—inspired and motivated to create the same vibe he was drawn to in Europe. He locked himself in the studio with his sights aimed at production. Shortly after, a local label Grime Recordings signed his first EP “Drummatic,” which officially put him on the scene. Pete then released “Section 8” to the Italian label, Gain Records, and now joins refused. Records for this third release.
Laskis has played at some of Australia’s largest music festivals such as Summadayze, Future Music Festival, and Earthcore and has played alongside acts such as Oliver Huntemann, Stephan Bodzin, Seth Troxler, and Harvey Mckay. If you’ve never heard of Laskis’ newest record label, you are not alone. Refused. Records celebrates its first anniversary this month and is swooping up as much fresh techno talent as they possibly can. The wondrous and inventive sounds of the label are perfect for a rainy day when the sky turns that ominous shade of purple. Justin James created the label in an effort to contribute to the special culture of underground music. He created an outlet to share his music and the music of artists he admires, while simultaneously giving new artists a chance to be heard on a larger scale. The first release on refused. was a 4-pack EP called Not The Curator released on May 20th. Look out for more releases and news from refused. and from its very talented artists like Laskis and James. I’m their names will become known very soon if you live on planet Techno.
By: Sarah Kelleher