SOUNDTREK, SOG — Haspel Haze

Soundtrek & Sog – Haspel Haze Erdgeschoss releases EG02 as a 12-inch vinyl that lands squarely in the realm of minimal techno, pushing the tempo beyond 133 1/3 bpm. The label’s manifesto of “no distinction between old and new” finds a concrete expression here, where two generations of KöPi converge on a dirty-minimal aesthetic that oscillates between Schranz intensity and a glimmer of glamour. The record’s title hints at a hazy, atmospheric quality that the music delivers while keeping the dancefloor’s pulse relentless. Within the Erdgeschoss catalogue, Haspel Haze follows the earlier Karianne EP (EG01, 2026) by Pop Vampires Cologne, extending the label’s current focus on kinetic, forward-looking techno. While Karianne explored a more melodic contour, Haspel Haze doubles down on the label’s commitment to raw, high-energy minimalism, marking a clear continuation of the imprint’s 2026 output. Side A opens with “Stella Maris” (A1), a track that sets the record’s momentum with a driving groove that feels both reverent and forward-looking, embodying the “dirty minimal purism” described by the label. “Glaub mir da ist nichts” (A2) follows, maintaining the kinetic thrust while introducing a subtle shift in texture that keeps the momentum fluid, acting as a bridge between the opening statement and the closing cut. The side concludes with “Psycholka 26” (A3), a piece that heightens the tension before the needle drops to the B-side, reinforcing the record’s relentless tempo and its “bass drum on, bass drum off” dynamic. The B-side continues the high-tempo dialogue, with each track further exploring the interplay of purity and grit that the label emphasizes. The sequencing ensures a seamless flow, allowing DJs to ride the sustained energy from start to finish, while the tonal variations across the three cuts provide moments for subtle transition or a dramatic climax in a set. In the context of the artists’ output, Sog’s earlier “Stoa 1” on PROFAN (PROFAN39, 2014) demonstrated a penchant for deep, textured techno, but Haspel Haze pushes that sensibility into a more aggressive, fast-paced territory. The collaboration with Soundtrek, whose discography is not detailed here, results in a record that feels both rooted in a shared lineage and eager to break new ground. For DJs, the record offers a toolbox for peak-hour moments where a relentless tempo and stark, minimal arrangements are required. The three tracks can be mixed sequentially for a sustained build, or individual cuts can be inserted into a set to inject a burst of kinetic energy. Collectors will appreciate the clear articulation of Erdgeschoss’s aesthetic vision and the way the release captures a moment where tradition meets youthful vigor on the dancefloor. The release arrives as a standard 12-inch vinyl, presenting the three tracks in a format that respects the tactile and sonic qualities prized by techno enthusiasts. Its physical presence complements the music’s emphasis on raw, unfiltered rhythm. Soundtrek & Sog – Haspel Haze, Erdgeschoss, catalogue EG02, 12-inch vinyl, three tracks. Tracklist: A1. Soundtrek & Sog – Stella Maris A2. Soundtrek & Sog – Glaub mir da ist nichts A3. Soundtrek & Sog – Psycholka 26