2024’s standout release has landed with Eagles & Butterflies dropping his highly anticipated six-track ‘Heartbreaks & XTC’ EP via Running Back Records, the legendary imprint helmed by Gerd Janson. Officially out on September 13th, this EP showcases Eagles & Butterflies’ refined approach to nostalgic, hardware-driven electronic music, cementing his place as one of the year’s most innovative producers.
Drenched in retro dance vibes and lo-fi textures, the EP channels the analog crunch and raw energy that only physical vintage gear can deliver. Tracks like ‘H3000’ and ‘SH-09’, named after iconic music production hardware, emphasize Eagles & Butterflies’ passion for stripped-back, no-frills production. The EP lets the machines do the talking, offering listeners a sonic journey through timeless dancefloor aesthetics.
Leading the charge is the titular track, ‘Heartbreaks & XTC’, a pulsating Italo-disco anthem. It’s all hands-in-the-air vibes with shimmering arpeggios, a driving bassline, and euphoric pads, making it a surefire catalyst for dancefloor magic. Describing the EP, Running Back founder Gerd Janson says, “Eagles & Butterflies masterfully balances peak-time energy with underground sensibilities, blending modern Italo twists with techno pop for an indispensable release.”
The EP doesn’t stop there. ‘Faith’ follows in similar fashion, combining rave-ready piano stabs with hypnotic vocal shots and a bassline that channels the best of the ’80s. ‘Time’ shifts gears into more house-oriented terrain while still carrying that signature Italo vibe with expertly filtered synths that cut in and out of the mix.
For fans of deeper cuts, ‘H3000’ (a nod to the Eventide H3000 unit famously used by Daft Punk) ramps up the hedonism, veering towards trance territory with a distorted 303 bassline leading the charge. On ‘SH-09’, the tempo slows down, delivering eerie chugging beats and warped synths for a haunting, textured experience. The EP closes out with ‘Saturday Morning’, an end-of-the-night track with swirling, dazed synths and a rolling house groove.
Eagles & Butterflies has been unstoppable in 2024, already releasing ‘Dopamine Vol. 1’ and ‘Vol. 2’ on his own label Art Imitating Life, marking a shift from his earlier melodic techno sound to more energetic and hedonistic productions. His reputation continues to soar, with releases on labels like Innervisions, Life & Death, and Correspondant, as well as remixes for Bob Moses, RY X, and Underworld.
Having been named Mixmag’s Breakthrough Act of the Year, Eagles & Butterflies is now a dominant force, blending analog warmth and modern electronic flair. ‘Heartbreaks & XTC’ is a must-listen for 2024, packed with synth-heavy heaters ready to light up dancefloors across the globe.
Stream ‘Heartbreaks & XTC’ now and watch Eagles & Butterflies take 2024 by storm!
Eagles & Butterflies: Instagram | Spotify
