Ivan Komlinović – Hit The Gate LP (PDV)

If you paid close attention to what’s happening on the regional electronic music scene in recent years, you should be aware of Ivan Komlinović’s whereabouts and activities. He’s one of those music producers who not only delivers some of the finest works modern electronica has witnessed recently, but also unleashed a critically acclaimed full-length album, “Hit The Gate,” in November of 2024 via prolific PDV Records. PDV has always had a great sense for good music that could eventually shake the foundations of not only the Croatian but the regional scene, and that’s what happened with “Hit The Gate,” when “Trigger’s Broom,” a single included on this material, received a prestigious Elector award in the category for the best single/EP of the year, while Ivan Komlinović also received another Elector award in the category for the best producer of the year. And really, there’s no wonder how this happened, considering the entire album sounds amazing. Most importantly, it shines with exceptional production that could easily stand back-to-back with anything renowned greats of the genre have unleashed in the present and past. Speaking of music genres, Ivan Komlinović has so much to offer with “Hit The Gate,” as the entire material falls under the electronic music category, but to experienced ears, it’s more about transitions, nuances, flow, and feeling, which are omnipresent here. Perhaps Komlinović uses modern techno as a foundation, but if you dive deeper into the core, you’ll notice how deep techno, acid techno, and Detroit techno continuously lurk around, crafting that hypnotic, irresistible, addictive, danceable ambiance. Komlinović skillfully levitates between modern techno music and fundamental elements of the early nineties scene, with an emphasis on a sound quality that meets all the trends in modern music production. “Hit The Gate” has so many things to offer to anyone willing to spend some time with these songs, and it certainly rewards repeated listens by revealing all those hidden gems which Komlinović implemented so skillfully, wisely, and creatively.

Ivan Komlinović not only knows how to construct powerful deep techno compositions but also pays tremendous attention to every single detail here. Instead of delivering plain, predictable, bland songs, relying upon 4/4 beats, maybe one or two melodic basslines, and some decent synths, Komlinović dives deep into deep techno aesthetics, thinking about even the tiniest details and nuances. Unlike many producers, he thinks outside the box and creates repetitive, hypnotic, addictive rhyhtmic sequences where each drum kick, hit of the snare, accentuation over hi-hat, and additional cymbals has its place and purpose. He gradually upgrades rhythmic patterns in each composition by adding colorful percussions, effects on particular drum parts, adding more detail, nuance, and other embellishments on every beat, break, fill, and accentuation. It’s an effective way that not only upgrades the motorik quality of his songs but also makes particular segments even more complex, detailed, and technically demanding. The comprehensive collection built upon those rhythmic patterns makes the entire “Hit The Gate” such a perfect soundtrack for all those good rave parties. Of course, another thing worth pointing out is how basslines articulate here. You’ll hear how all those subtle or vividly hearable low ends resonate with precision and finesse, immensely supporting beats all while providing more warmth, groove, clarity, melody, power, and heaviness to each composition. Depending on the song’s mood and ambiance, Ivan Komlinović incorporates more subtle subs or powerful, heavy, technically demanding lines. It’s a notable detail that provides that sweet, pulsating quality to all those songs. And Komlinović is unquestionably a master in crafting hypnotic, captivating, ethereal synth leads, themes, melodies, harmonies, sequences, and ambient pads. The interplay between all these melodic and harmonious layers is notable here, as they offer more complexity, melody, emotional depth, and detail to these compositions. Everything is so carefully crafted to satisfy even the pickiest music enthusiasts, and there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy “Hit The Gate” from scratch to finish.

Producers like Ivan Komlinović are considered a sheer rarity nowadays, mainly because there are not so many music enthusiasts willing to invest heart and soul into their work. Thankfully, Komlinović is one of those rare gems on the regional scene who understands that a good album demands complete immersion in the entire process. His tremendous dedication resulted in an album you’ll hold dear to your heart and listen to whenever you crave exceptional deep techno music. Do not miss this gem. Head to PDV Records and grab it on vinyl record.