Gustavo Lamas returns with a statement release on Affin, presenting Locro as a focused four-track EP that dives deep into the late-night side of ambient-informed techno. Known to many for his debut album Celeste on Traum Schallplatten and his early appearance on Kompakt’s era-defining Pop Ambient series, Lamas has always moved in a world where emotional weight and club abstraction meet. Locro taps straight into that legacy, collecting key contributions from his early Affin collaborations into one cohesive chapter that feels both archival and strikingly current.
Embrollo opens the EP with a hypnotic pull that feels tailor-made for DJs who love to keep the floor suspended in a state of expectation. There is a patient momentum at work, the kind that slowly tightens its grip and makes each subtle shift feel significant. Envueltos moves in closer, tracing blurred edges and dimly lit corridors, ideal for those after-hours moments when the crowd leans inward and every detail becomes amplified. Both tracks feel like they were born for long blends, giving selectors the room to stretch, simmer, and build tension without resorting to obvious tricks.
Casete leans into a more introspective mood while still carrying enough propulsion to work in a deep, heads-down set. It feels like an understated weapon, the kind of track that might not shout for attention at first but becomes unforgettable once you’ve heard it on a proper system. Closing with the title track Locro, Lamas signs off with a piece that feels like a quiet anthem for the Affin universe, echoing the introspective spirit of his early ambient work while keeping one foot firmly planted in the club.
Affin, helmed by Joachim Spieth and long respected for its stripped-back yet emotionally charged aesthetic, has become a trusted name for DJs and listeners who chase depth over hype. Locro fits seamlessly into that lineage, acting as a bridge between the label’s formative years and its present-day focus on timeless, dubwise, and minimalist techno explorations. By gathering these four tracks into one release, Affin not only underlines the importance of Lamas’ contributions to its catalog but also reaffirms its commitment to music that lingers long after the last kick fades. For underground heads who value subtlety, patience, and atmosphere in equal measure, Locro is a reminder that some stories in techno are still unfolding years after the first note was written.
