Boston Producer mentalEscape Drops Nostalgia-Fueled ‘Upgrade’

mentalEscape
mentalEscape

In a nod to the golden age of electronic music, Boston-based producer Mirza Causevic, better known as mentalEscape, unveiled his latest album ‘Upgrade’ on October 2, 2024. This 10-track collection clocks in at a brisk 37 minutes and 33 seconds, serving up a heady mix of ’90s-inspired beats with a modern twist.

‘Upgrade’ takes listeners on a whirlwind tour through diverse electronic landscapes, opening with the cultural flair of “Pasha’s Night Out” and concluding with the deeper, more introspective journey of “Odyssey.” While each track contributes to the album’s dynamic flow, two standouts deserve special attention in our eyes.

“Hype” lives up to its name, delivering an adrenaline-pumping experience that captures the essence of ’90s rave culture. Its pulsating rhythms and soaring synths make it impossible to sit still, evoking memories of packed dance floors and sweaty, euphoric nights. The track showcases mentalEscape’s ability to recreate the raw energy of classic electronic music while infusing it with modern production techniques.

In contrast, “Night Drive” veers into cyber-punk synthwave territory, demonstrating Causevic’s versatility as a producer. This atmospheric track paints a vivid sonic picture of a midnight cruise through neon-lit city streets. Its moody undercurrents and retro-futuristic sounds provide a perfect counterbalance to the album’s more intense moments, highlighting mentalEscape’s range and depth as an artist.

Other tracks like the high-octane “Keep Going” and the nostalgia-laden “0s and 1s” further showcase the album’s diversity. The raw energy of “AmenBr8k” and the evocative atmosphere of “Old Town” round out the project, demonstrating Causevic’s deft ability to balance intensity with introspection.

Each track, meticulously crafted, varies in length and intensity, maintaining an engaging pace throughout. While “Hype” and “Night Drive” might be the album’s crown jewels, they’re also indicative of the overall quality and diversity present throughout ‘Upgrade’, cementing mentalEscape’s position as a skilled electronic music producer.

‘Upgrade’ by mentalEscape

When asked to describe his sound, mentalEscape quipped, “It’s as if The Prodigy went on a world tour and came back with something a bit… different.” This cheeky comparison isn’t far off the mark, given his cited influences: electronic heavyweights like The Prodigy, Aphex Twin, Nine Inch Nails, and The Crystal Method.

Causevic’s journey in music began like many others – in high school. But it wasn’t sheet music that caught his eye. Instead, he found himself drawn to the school’s newly acquired electronic equipment. “I remember the first time I laid hands on that Roland JP-8000,” he recalled with a hint of nostalgia. “It was like discovering a new world.” From those early experiments, he graduated to digital audio workstations, eventually settling on Ableton Live as his go-to production tool.

Reflecting on his influences, Causevic’s eyes light up. “These guys weren’t just musicians,” he said, referring to artists like Liam Howlett and Trent Reznor. “They were godly, pushing boundaries and bridging soundscapes we didn’t even know existed.” He credits these pioneers with shaping the electronic and industrial music landscape, inspiring his own forays into advanced sampling and sound design.

‘Upgrade’ is more than just an album title – it’s a mission statement. Causevic has taken the gritty, energetic sound of ’90s electronic music and given it a 21st-century makeover. The result? A sound that’s both familiar and fresh, like stumbling upon a favorite old jacket and finding it fits better than ever.

When pressed about his goals for the album, mentalEscape leaned back in his chair, pondering for a moment. “Energy and nostalgia,” he finally said. “I want listeners to feel that rush of discovering electronic music for the first time, but with a modern edge that keeps it relevant.”

Currently, Causevic is elbow-deep in remix projects, breathing new life into ’90s classics. “It’s like archeology,” he joked. “Digging up these gems and polishing them for a new generation.”

As for what’s next, the artist is playing it close to the chest. “I’m taking it slow,” he admitted. “Releasing things bit by bit, seeing how they land.” This measured approach suggests a producer who’s confident in his sound but not afraid to evolve based on listener feedback.

For those itching to dive into ‘Upgrade,’ the album is available on Bandcamp. Fans can also find mentalEscape’s wider discography on Soundcloud, YouTube, and Spotify.

‘Upgrade’ isn’t just an album – it’s a time machine with a modern engine. It’s Causevic’s love letter to the electronic music that shaped him, reimagined for today’s ears. As the genre continues to evolve at breakneck speed, albums like ‘Upgrade’ serve as important touchstones, reminding us where we’ve been while hinting at where we might go next.

In a scene that often feels oversaturated, mentalEscape’s ‘Upgrade’ stands out as a refreshing throwback with modern appeal, attracting both old-school ravers and curious newcomers alike. Whether it will spark a full-blown ’90s electronic revival remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure – it’s got people talking, and more importantly, listening. The album serves as a testament to the enduring power of classic electronic sounds when reimagined through a contemporary lens.

Total
0
Shares
Previous Article
Project Visionary founders: Tianyi Zhang, Jayden Ng, Ethan Ning, Jason Zou, and (Bottom) Gary Zhang

Teen Entrepreneurs Revolutionize Financial Education for the Visually Impaired

Next Article
Thor Moreno / Filmmaker

Thor Moreno's SCHISM Promises a Mind-Altering Cinematic Experience

Related Posts