Electronic/Review sugarstealer - 2552
Songwriter/producer from Lancaster, UK. sugarstealer’s “2552” is a bold statement record—one that seems to straddle the line between immersive listening and club-minded machinery. On one hand, it rewards deep, repeated listens; on the other, many of its sonic decisions clearly consider how tracks might live in a DJ’s crate.
sugarstealer makes a strong and well-executed sound statement with “2552,” an album that flourishes in the liminal region between reflection and movement. With its remarkable accuracy in fluctuating between ambient depth and rhythmic velocity, it is both an immersive headphone experience and a DJ's secret weapon.
“2552” uses contrast to create its universe right away, contrasting mood and rhythm, shadow and light. sugarstealer creates vast, texture-layered electronic landscapes that are then cut through with heart-pounding percussion explosions. The record's greatest strength lies in its inability to settle into a single identity. Every song seems to be a dialogue between motion and stillness, calm and stress.
There's a lot here for those looking for emotional connection. With each pass, subtle melodies and a changing sound design reveal new details, encouraging repeated listens. DJs will also appreciate the record's careful arrangement, which includes dips, momentum changes, and transitions that support a live performance without ever sounding predictable.
“2552's” dedication to duality is what makes it so captivating. It is controlled yet expressive, minimalist yet luxurious, intellectual yet physical. sugarstealer creates an album that is equally comfortable listening to in a dark club or reflecting alone at three in the morning. A powerful illustration of how electronic music can simultaneously challenge, transport, and move us is found in “2552,” where sound becomes both an escape and an exploration.