MACHINEGEWEHR — Life EP

Machinegewehr – LIFE EP The Rotterdam producer Silas Schletterer returns on Bordello A Parigi with the 12-inch vinyl BAP191, a four-track EP that sits at the crossroads of disco and Italo house. Issued on 24 October 2023, the record showcases the synth-centric aesthetic that has defined his output since joining the label family in 2014. Within the Bordello A Parigi catalogue, LIFE EP precedes a series of 2026 releases such as L.F.T.’s “SONIC BOOM EP” (BAP258) and Tallac’s “TESSITURA EP” (BAP255). Its placement offers a glimpse of the label’s trajectory before a wave of new material arrives later in the decade. Side A opens with “Sans”, a track built around burbling arpeggios that have become a signature of Schletterer’s sound. The melodic line unfurls with a subtle invitation, setting a dancefloor-ready tone that bridges the EP’s two sides. “Life”, the title cut, follows with a measured, meditative structure. While it retains the pulsating throb familiar to Machinegewehr, a considered melancholy threads through the arrangement, delivering a bittersweet balance that contrasts with the more immediate energy of the opener. On the flip side, “Pills” introduces steady kicks and vocal snippets, creating a shifting landscape where melodies and spoken word intertwine. The track’s driving rhythm and heady brew of elements make it a compelling moment for peak-time sets. The EP closes with “Neurons”, a vocal-centric piece that narrates a subdued sci-fi tale of yearning. Its silken synth-pop backdrop provides a wistful finale, rounding off the release with a narrative edge. Although this is Schletterer’s fourth Machinegewehr record, the EP reinforces his reputation for clever, inviting melodies and clean percussive touches. It sits comfortably alongside his earlier synth-focused outings while pushing the emotional palette further, hinting at a broader expressive range within the label’s output. For DJs, the record offers a versatile toolkit: “Sans” and “Life” work well as warm-up or transitional pieces, while “Pills” and “Neurons” deliver the momentum and vocal hooks needed for later set moments. Collectors will appreciate the cohesive sequencing that balances dancefloor drive with reflective moments, making the EP a nuanced addition to any vinyl library. The release is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of the label’s recent output and preserving the tactile experience essential to Machinegewehr’s synth-driven aesthetic. Machinegewehr – LIFE EP, Bordello A Parigi, catalogue BAP191, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Machinegewehr – Sans A2. Machinegewehr – Life B1. Machinegewehr – Pills B2. Machinegewehr – Neurons