^L_ – The Forbidden EP [Insany Industry Recordings]

^L_: A visionary dive into dystopia with “The Forbidden EP”

^L_ (real name Luis Fernando) delivers an intense and boundary-pushing sonic experience with The Forbidden EP, his latest release and debut on the Italian concept label Insany Industry Recordings. Known for his prolific output and a sound that oscillates between the unsettling and the mesmerizing, ^L_ once again proves his reputation as an experimental visionary.

Drawing influences from IDM titans like Aphex Twin and Autechre, as well as industrial, darkwave, and cyberpunk aesthetics, ^L_ weaves these inspirations into a sound that is simultaneously nostalgic and forward-thinking. Each track on The Forbidden EP feels like an exploration of emotional and mechanical dualities—a dystopian dance through the gritty textures of modern life.

The EP opens with a bang through “Making Music to End My Social Life”, a ferocious track that draws from gabber and digital hardcore. The aggressive energy feels raw and chaotic, setting the tone for a record unafraid to challenge its listeners.

“Don’t Listen to This Track” follows, delivering an immersive and industrial-infused hard techno anthem. With its clanging samples of iron bars, thundering kicks, and acidic undercurrents, it conjures the image of a mechanized dystopian factory—both hypnotic and relentless.

The standout moment arrives with “Anyone Can Be Goth”, a masterful fusion of IDM, techno, and drill ‘n’ bass. Premiered by the Berlin-based platform The Brvtalist, this track showcases ^L_’s compositional brilliance. Haunting textures, glitch-laden beats reminiscent of Aphex Twin, and a driving rhythm nodding to Radiohead’s “Idioteque” make this the EP’s most compelling offering.

The closing track, “There Is No Love on Thanksgiving”, brings the journey full circle with a chaotic yet calculated blend of drum and bass, breakbeats, and glitchy acid tones. The tense atmosphere and textured layering reflect ^L_’s ability to craft intricate soundscapes, leaving the listener simultaneously awed and unsettled.

The EP’s sarcastic track titles—such as “Anyone Can Be Goth” and “There Is No Love on Thanksgiving”—add a layer of dark humour, underlining ^L_’s unique personality as a producer.

The Forbidden EP cements ^L_ as an artist who meticulously controls every element of his craft. His ability to merge disparate influences into a cohesive, cutting-edge sound demonstrates not only his technical skill but also his ability to evoke complex emotions and narratives. This release is a bold statement, one that refuses to adhere to convention, making it a must-listen for fans of experimental electronic music.

Buy The Forbidden EP here.