Tim Paters, also known as Stræpa, never ceases to amaze with his production style. Every time you play one of his tracks, you get completely different (and always pleasant) impressions, as each new story is unlike anything before it. Today, I want to talk about the new release “After Dark” and the story this sound inspires.
Sound Architecture
This time, Tim turned to beats that lean more toward hip-hop than his usual “dusty” lo-fi rhythms. This worked brilliantly in terms of freshness. Although I subconsciously expected that familiar warm palette of drums again, Tim chose a different path. Mixed with the beat, you can feel elements of Nu-Jazz, which add a certain “spice” to these crisp and slightly aggressive rhythms. It’s like hot pepper with honey—unexpected, yet very relaxing.
The melodic part is, as always, dominated by Tim’s best friend: the saxophone. It weaves perfectly into the rhythms, and to me, it feels like the intro to a dramatic 1970s detective film. New York, neon lights that never fade, and a dark room filled with papers and thick cigarette smoke. This might not perfectly align with the track’s original theme, but that’s the personal effect it has on me.
Why Listen?
“After Dark” is truly worth your attention. It will paint a different picture for everyone, thanks to the cool percussion, guitar, and synthesizers that play a key role here. This neo-noir mood is the last thing you’d expect, but once you hear it, you are completely immersed in the atmosphere.
This track is best suited for walks through a half-empty city, with a slightly melancholic yet warm mood inside you. It will be a perfect soundtrack for those moments of your unfilmed, drama-filled life. It’s all for you. Enjoy!
P.S. If you enjoy how Tim Paters blends live instruments and electronics, be sure to read our review of another one of his signature tracks.
Rate this post along with 0 others
