The Berlin electronic scene has always been defined by its ability to maintain a bridge between its storied past and a forward-thinking future. At the heart of this evolution is Kater Blau, the Spree-side sanctuary that rose from the ashes of Bar 25 and Kater Holzig. Its in-house imprint, Kiosk ID, has become a vital outlet for the club’s residents to translate their long-form weekend experiences into cohesive studio releases. The latest offering from the label comes from Takiru, a producer who has become synonymous with the melodic yet driving sound that defines the Holzmarkt universe. His new “Make Waves EP” is a sophisticated three-track collection that explores the nuances of modern house and indie dance with remarkable precision.
The EP opens with the title track, “Make Waves,” a collaboration with Marci that serves as the emotional centerpiece of the release. The track is built around a series of lush synth textures and a syncopated percussion section that feels organic and fluid. Marci’s vocal contribution is handled with great subtlety, acting more as a melodic instrument that weaves through the arrangement rather than a traditional lead. This approach allows the track to maintain its dancefloor momentum while providing a layer of emotional resonance that is often missing from more utilitarian club music. The arrangement is spacious, allowing the listener to appreciate the clarity of the production and the way each element interacts with the low-end groove.
Following the title track is “Dance Alone,” a production that leans more heavily into the house tradition while maintaining the EP’s melodic core. It features a rubbery, infectious bassline that provides a steady anchor for the shimmering synth leads that fluctuate throughout the track. There is a sense of restrained energy here, a tension that builds slowly without ever feeling forced. Compared to the more aggressive and peak-time focused energy found in Takiru’s previous “Temple Kiss EP,” this new work shows a producer who is increasingly comfortable with slower burns and intricate layering. It is a side of his production style that feels particularly well-suited to the marathon sessions for which Kater Blau is world-renowned.
The final track, “Circulator,” brings the EP to a close with a more atmospheric approach. It emphasizes depth and texture, utilizing wide pads and a steady, driving rhythm to create a sense of forward motion. While the EP is comprised of just three tracks, it covers a significant amount of sonic territory, showcasing Takiru’s versatility as a producer. From an editorial standpoint, “Make Waves EP” feels like a definitive statement of where the Berlin melodic house sound is headed—moving away from overly polished big-room tropes and returning to the soulful, underground roots of the city.
In terms of dancefloor utility, this EP is a perfect fit for a sunrise set on the Kater Blau deck or any outdoor space where the atmosphere can truly breathe. The tracks possess enough weight to move a crowd during the early morning hours, but they also offer enough melodic complexity to be enjoyed in a more focused listening environment. Kiosk ID continues to prove that they are more than just a club label; they are curators of a specific cultural moment in Berlin that continues to ripple outward to the rest of the world.