A Beat That Breaks the Loop
Ever felt trapped in the grind of daily routines, only to have a track hit you like a wake-up call? That’s Flux by Tuulacult, a standout from the debut EP Break The Cycle, released on April 27, 2023. This techno and acid techno banger, crafted by 22-year-old Czech producer Matěj Balcar, is a sonic rebellion against societal norms and repetitive habits. With its driving beats and squelching synths, Flux feels like a journey through a neon-lit underworld, urging you to question the status quo. Let’s dive into what makes this track so captivating and meet the artist shaking up the underground techno scene.
Tuulacult’s Sound and Story
Flux is a masterclass in dark, atmospheric techno, clocking in at around 6 minutes with a relentless 135 BPM pulse. The track opens with a gritty kick drum and a hypnotic bassline, setting a moody, industrial vibe. Tuulacult’s acid techno roots shine through with squelching, vintage synthesizer lines—likely from the Roland TB-303, a staple of the genre—that weave in and out, creating a sense of tension and release. The layered textures, from eerie pads to subtle percussive glitches, evoke the repetitive cycles Matěj critiques in Break The Cycle, yet the track’s energy pushes you to break free. As Last Day Deaf notes, the EP explores “the repetitive nature of modern life,” and Flux embodies that theme with its cyclical rhythms and evolving soundscapes.
The production is raw yet polished, blending analog warmth with digital precision. Matěj’s use of unconventional vintage synths, as highlighted in his bio, gives Flux a nostalgic edge while keeping it firmly in 2024’s underground techno landscape. The track’s intensity makes it a perfect fit for late-night warehouse raves or festivals like Awakenings, and its atmospheric depth suits introspective listening too. Available on platforms like SoundCloud, Flux is gaining traction in the techno community, with fans on X praising its “dark, driving energy” for DJ sets.
So, who’s Tuulacult? Matěj Balcar, a 22-year-old from Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, launched his solo project Tuulacult in 2023 after years of live synth performances. His debut EP, Break The Cycle, marked his entry into acid techno, while his 2024 follow-up, Renewal, dives deeper into darker, more atmospheric sounds. Matěj’s music draws from diverse influences, blending techno’s raw power with cinematic textures. Beyond producing, he’s a live performer and DJ, known for sets that mix his own tracks with inspirations from artists like Amelie Lens or Jeff Mills. He also organizes local techno events, fostering a vibrant community in the Czech underground scene.
Fueling the Acid Techno Revival
Acid techno is roaring back in 2025, with its squelching basslines and hypnotic rhythms dominating clubs and festivals. Flux taps into this resurgence, echoing the raw energy of ‘90s pioneers like Richie Hawtin while embracing modern production techniques. The genre’s revival, as seen in releases like the Jalapeño EP on Psychedelic Chilli Explosion Records, thrives on bold, dancefloor-ready tracks, and Tuulacult’s debut fits right in. Posts on X highlight Break The Cycle as a fresh take on acid techno’s rebellious spirit, perfect for playlists like “Acid Techno 2025” or “Underground Techno.” Matěj’s focus on societal critique also aligns with techno’s history as a countercultural force, making Flux both a banger and a statement.
Keep Challenging the Norm
Tuulacult’s Flux is a pulsating call to question routines and embrace the raw energy of acid techno. What do you think of this debut track? Drop a comment and let me know if it’s got you moving or rethinking your own loops! For more underground techno vibes, check out my other artist spotlights here.
If you’re an artist ready to share your own sound, DistroKid makes it simple to get your music on Spotify, SoundCloud, and beyond. Save 7% on your membership with this link: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328. It’s a great way to break into the scene, just like Tuulacult’s doing with Break The Cycle. Keep creating, and maybe I’ll be raving about your track next!
