Italo Brutalo – Second Horizon

The latest release from Berlin-based producer Julian Reifegerste builds on the success of his previous work, channelling a vivid spectrum of 80s electronic styles into a sleek, club-ready format. Drawing from EBM, Italo, acid, electro and dark wave, the 12-track double vinyl is packed with machine funk and neon moodsibright synth lines and rubbery basslines offset by tougher, industrial textures. ‘City Sights’ and ‘Chasing Shadows’ lean into cinematic propulsion, while ‘Black Gold’ and ‘I Am A Creator’ carry heavier, dystopian overtones. Much of the material was produced on vintage hardware, lending the record an authentic retro-futurist edge. This is bold, immersive dance music with a conceptual streak, and a clear progression in sound from the artist’s earlier output.