Having earned a reputation as one of the most respected artists on the underground techno circuit over the course of his esteemed, decade-long career, American-Korean DJ and producer Juheun kickstarts 2024 with one of the finest additions to his discography to date. Armed with a catalogue of standout releases on the likes of Octopus Recordings, Kuukou and Set About (to name a few) the Phoenix-based artist now announces his EP debut on Christian Smith’s Tronic imprint, with the mighty ‘Phantom’.
Out now, Juheun’s ‘Phantom’ EP sees the in-demand producer land on Tronic for the first time since his immense ‘Open Door’ collaboration with Drunken Kong, which was released as part of the label‘s ‘Rockets Launch 15’ VA in December 2022. Delivering an unrelenting three-track package of driving, industrial techno, the Phantom EP features two new original solo productions from Juheun and is completed by an official remix from Swedish producer and returning Tronic artist, Hertz.
Speaking about the EP release, Juheun commented:
“I’ve been spending a lot of time these days in sweaty warehouses and underground parties with the craziest energy and vibes. This EP embodies those moments I’ve been experiencing lately in my sets.”
Opening the EP with the frenetic title track ‘Phantom’, Juheun goes full throttle from the outset as he unleashes an intense, peak-time weapon, propelled by relentless percussion and frenzied synth stabs. Flawlessly executed and primed for those early hours warehouse moments, the blistering techno cut is another perfect example of Juheun’s incredible technical capabilities in the studio.
Juheun’s second original offering sees the introduction of ‘Empty Space’. Blending a plethora of complementary percussive elements with otherworldly soundscapes and ethereal vocal chops, the immersive middle order delivers on both rhythm and melody in equal measure; its masterfully layered drum patterns and trippy synth work creating a track that’s both familiar and progressive.
For remix duties, the reigns are handed to Swedish production powerhouse and hard groove maestro, Hertz, who’s tasked with putting his own inimitable spin on Juheun’s powerful opener. With a slew of impressive career releases on the likes of Tronic, Suara, Drumcode, 1605 and Sway (amongst others) the Gothenberg-based stalwart combines whirring basslines with heavy kicks and ravey synth work as he returns to Christian Smith’s long-standing label to round out Juheun’s ‘Phantom’ EP in style.
Juheun – Phantom EP (including remix from Hertz) is out now via Tronic: https://fanlink.to/TR486
