Tokyo based producer Hoshina Anniversary’s new EP “Disco” on #BNR plays like a soundtrack to a lost film set in a dystopian future, with 6 originals covering a range from paranoid techno to italo to deep house. The opener “Can’t Hide Your Love” is the highlight, hinting at romance before a menacing 303 forces an evil grin to erupt across your face and chills to run down your spine. Similarly titled and similarly epic, “Of Your Love’s” Moroder bassline, distorted vocals, and 4/4 snare slowly builds the pressure before dropping out into open space. That’s when the most affective part of the EP happens- a haunting, bittersweet melody is joined by vocoder in a hands in the air moment that lasts only a minute- but what a minute.

Hoshina Anniversary’s production is always lo-fi and dry, but the tracks have the attitude of being massive. There’s a retro feel- this is William Gibson, not Wachowski- but it never feels kitsch, unless you find classic WaxTrax! kitsch. DJ’s will find plenty here from anthems to tools, but it’s also a great headphone listen for late night walks through neon lit red light districts. All in all, the “Disco EP” is a classic cyberpunk soundtrack in the making- you’ll see the film in your mind’s eye when you listen.