LEWIS FAUTZI — Above The Surface

Portugal's Lewis Fautzi has gone from shaping his native scene to being widely recognised as one of the most distinctive and accomplished producers in the underground. He operates in his own ever-evolving world, away from trends and fads, always pushing his sound forward while staying rooted in hypnotic rhythms that are deep, tense and richly atmospheric. He has made continual inroads with his own Faut Section label and 2026 saw another step forward as he launched a new live set at this year's NEOPOP Festival. His debut EP on Mutual Rytm, 'Beneath The Surface', came back in April, receiving plenty of high profile support, and now he shows another subtle shift in style with this stylish, masterfully crafted follow-up on the label.'Threshold State' opens the account with earth-shattering kicks and a forceful groove that is detailed with charges of static and incendiary hi-hats. 'Unauthorised' is just as heavyweight, this time with more rolling drums and glitchy claps before 'Beyond The Tide' cranks up the pressure with icy tension and twisted industrial textures over a signature unrelenting low end.The fantastic 'Static Violence' again locks you in Fautzi's fantastic techno loops with muscular analogue drums and lithe synths, hissing hi-hats and dark groans all adding to the intensity. 'Breaking Depth' shows a different side with half-time rhythms and eerie suspense built from broken drums and electrical charges that fizz through the mix. Two digital bonus cuts come in the shape of the hammering, hard- edge rhythmic boldness of 'Deep Structure' late night paranoia of 'Read at 3AM' which has nimble synth lines dancing above the drums.