MRD — August Memories

Mrd – August Memories is the latest 12-inch offering from RAW (catalogue RAWV4), arriving on 25 September 2026. The Norwegian producer delivers a compact techno EP that balances club-ready peaks with a hint of melodic nostalgia, drawing on trance-like sweeps, 80s-style guitar textures and a shoegaze-tinged atmosphere. With two tracks positioned as “techno weapons” and two as “peak-time anthems”, the record promises a focused but varied ride for the dancefloor. Within RAW’s current output, August Memories lands alongside the label’s Pace Refinery EP by Blame The Mono (catalogue RAWV5), which shares the same release day, and follows the earlier Cyberdreams EP from Under Black Helmet (RAWV02, 2024). It also sits after the label’s Gemstones series – Opal (RAWGEM8, 2023) and Ruby (RAWVA01.2RP, 2021) – illustrating RAW’s ongoing commitment to forward-thinking techno and its off-kilter melodic twists. Side A opens with “Mirror On The Floor”, a track that channels the EP’s trance-inflected side while keeping a tight techno framework. Its structure builds tension that can be harnessed for early-set momentum, leading directly into “Sala Funk”. The second A-side cut retains the driving pulse but adds a funk-laden undercurrent that complements the preceding track’s hypnotic vibe, offering a subtle shift in groove without losing the overall intensity. Flipping to side B, the title track “August Memories” steps into the peak-time arena. Its arrangement leans into soaring melodic lines that echo the 80s guitar references mentioned in the label’s notes, creating a euphoric surge suited for the climax of a set. The final cut, “Last Night”, rounds off the EP with a darker, more introspective mood, its closing atmosphere providing a natural wind-down after the high of the preceding anthem. In the context of Mrd’s catalogue, August Memories follows the 2023 Superwoman 2.0 EP released on ARTS (catalogue ARTSCORE012R). While Superwoman 2.0 explored a more experimental edge, the new RAW release consolidates the producer’s techno foundation, reinforcing a signature blend of melodic intensity and club focus that has become a hallmark of their output. From a contemporary underground perspective, the EP’s synthesis of trance, vintage guitar riffs and shoegaze ambience reflects a broader trend of techno producers reaching beyond the genre’s traditional palette. RAW continues to curate releases that push this hybrid aesthetic, and August Memories contributes a concise, dancefloor-oriented statement that aligns with the label’s forward-moving trajectory. For DJs, the record offers two clear entry points: the A-side tracks work well for building energy in the early to mid-set, with “Mirror On The Floor” providing a spacious canvas and “Sala Funk” adding rhythmic nuance. The B-side delivers the peak-time punch, with “August Memories” ready to lift the crowd during a high-point moment, while “Last Night” serves as a versatile closing or transitional piece, its mood suitable for winding down or shifting gears. Collectors will appreciate the EP’s cohesive production, the mastering by Charles Accarisi, and the cover photography by Hugo Wirth, which together frame the release as a distinct entry in both Mrd’s discography and RAW’s evolving techno narrative. The record is issued as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of the artist’s earlier ARTS release and fitting comfortably into the standard DJ crate. Its four tracks provide a concise yet complete listening experience that rewards both repeated spins and deep listening. Mrd – August Memories, RAW, catalogue RAWV4, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Mrd – Mirror On The Floor A2. Mrd – Sala Funk B1. Mrd – August Memories B2. Mrd – Last Night