T78’s record label, Autektone Dark welcomes a tantalising techno EP from Boom Merchant, which combines old-school elements with contemporary production.
Boom Merchant had a big year in 2024 with releases on record labels ranging from Sisko Electrofanatik’s Gain to LaLa’s Brand New Records, and this is his third time featuring on Autektone.
Currently living in Mexico, Boom Merchant is an Irish artist whose gritty style layers raw drums with warping synths and ominous atmospherics. Not only a skilled producer, he is also an accomplished DJ who has played international shows across Europe and further afield.
His dark and driving style is techno focused, but also incorporates elements from other genres such as breaks and hardcore.
“Terremoto” opens the release with a hammering kick drum and pitched tom drum that are underpinned by a pulsating acid bassline. Electric pads build tension wile a lurching reese bass swells to create a menacing vibe.
“Finally Here” is the second track on the release, and it has Detroit-inspired old-school chords underscored by a chugging bassline. Shuffling hi-hats and rhythmic stabs dance around the pounding kick drum which drives the groove forward with its relentless energy.