An atmospheric and delectably unsettling electronic intrigue takes hold on “Radiation,” a new single from ZIFR. The producer and DJ — based in Pune, India — infuses house and techno inspirations within an intoxicating synth-fronted arsenal. Whirring bass ruminations and steady percussive pulses pair with nocturnal synths and spoken-word samples. “There is a traffic plan for the evacuation of the city,” one of these samples exudes with haunting effect. A declaration of “radiation,” ensues, repeating with ominous effect and crafting visions of a city on high alert, and potentially approaching a dystopic period of darkness.
The fear of spreading toxic radiation is audibly conveyed via the simmering synth escalations and sampled vocals; it makes sense, as a result, that the artist’s intention was to channel the intensity of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The result is a production that excels in balancing a venomous soundscape with infectious rhythmic adornments. “The Chernobyl disaster embodies fear, chaos, and ultimately, human resilience,” ZIFR explains. “I wanted this track to reflect that raw energy—capturing both the devastation and the hope that follows.”
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The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Electronic.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
