Japanese techno pioneer Ken Ishii and Lisbon-based modular techno artist David Castellani come together for their first collaborative EP, Obia, arriving via Noetic on 7 August.
Although the two artists first connected through Ishii’s remix of Castellani’s Hyperstop in 2023, the release grew from an extended studio session during Ishii’s stay in Los Angeles in late 2024, Castellani’s former home base. Shaped through analogue hardware improvisation before being refined remotely over the following year, Obia reflects a creative process built on instinct, experimentation and a shared artistic vision.
The title track, ‘Obia’, stands at the centre of the EP with its hypnotic balance of momentum and restraint. Driven by rolling percussion and persistent repetition, the track gradually unfolds through subtle shifts in texture rather than dramatic breakdowns, allowing tension to build naturally across its runtime. Fleeting spectral details emerge and dissolve within the mix, giving the production a remarkable sense of depth while maintaining a focused dancefloor energy. The result is a track that feels both immersive and meticulously crafted, highlighting the complementary chemistry between Ishii and Castellani.
Completing the release are ‘Eidolon’, which opens the EP with shadowy atmospheres and patient progression, and ‘Phantasma’, a closing piece defined by ghost-like tonal movement and mechanical propulsion. Together, the three productions showcase two distinct artistic voices finding common ground through precision, restraint and a shared fascination with hypnotic techno. Obia marks the beginning of a collaboration that feels both natural and long overdue.
Order their debut collaborative EP ‘Obia’ on Noetic HERE
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