An eight-track odyssey exploring the duo’s deep-reaching influences and sound, the album follows the project’s lead single ‘Can’t Stop’, which dropped earlier this month.
Hard To Tell – the dynamic and fast-rising duo renowned for their hypnotic grooves and genre-blending productions spanning house, techno and beyond – today unveil their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Hidden Traffic’, out now via their new label Vitrage Records.
The rich LP project spans eight tracks and takes listeners on a bold sonic journey, traversing the raw energy of techno, the soulful complexity of Detroit house and elements of breakbeat and ambient soundscapes. Masterfully fusing analog warmth with cutting-edge production, ‘Hidden Traffic’ marks a pivotal evolution in the duo’s artistry. Landing on Vitrage Records, the album marks the next milestone in the pair’s ongoing artistic journey as they deliver their own take on electronic music.
Speaking about the album, Hard To Tell commented:
“From the very beginning of our journey in music, we’ve always wanted to create an album with a wide range of tracks – something that truly showcases the different colours of our sound. We never wanted to be confined to just one genre. Until now, our releases have only been EPs and singles, so when the opportunity came to create our debut album with Vitrage, we immediately said yes! We poured our hearts and souls into this album, and we hope that from the very first play, listeners will feel that energy. This is the story of HTT.”
The album opens with ‘Last Night Jam’, an ethereal, experimental track that shifts from bass-heavy foundations to atmospheric textures. Its shimmering tones create a reflective atmosphere, setting the stage for the album’s emotional highs. The title track ‘Hidden Traffic’ introduces an introspective mood, with dubby soundscapes crafting a dreamy, deep feel as quirky synths step away from traditional melodies and immerse listeners in a hypnotic daze. Next, ‘Can’t Stop’ delivers crisp percussion amongst stuttering vocals and soaring leads, delivering a soulful vibe with a nod to Detroit. ‘Fame’ follows, loaded with dancefloor-ready energy, intertwining vibrant vocals and syncopated beats and delivering a nod to classic house while keeping it forward-thinking.
In the second half, ‘Will Stay’ emerges as the album’s breakbeat outlier, disrupting the flow with relentless rhythms and sharp percussive hits, showcasing the duo’s versatility with an intense, high-energy sound. ‘Tension’ channels a mechanical force reminiscent of early electronic classics with an acid-tinged, propulsive groove that fuses retro influences with a contemporary edge. ‘Back To You’ introduces a deeper vibe as precision-driven percussion and playful vocal chops elevate its rhythmic sophistication. Closing the album in style, ‘Solid Love’ delivers infectious energy, blending funk, house, and a touch of Italo-disco for a vibrant, danceable groove.
Since forming in 2018, Hard To Tell, also known as Roy & Roi, has been steadily reworking the very fabric of underground dance music, refusing to be boxed in by genre or expectation. Drawing from techno, house, new wave, breakbeat, and electroid influences, their sound interweaves hypnotic grooves with refined production, earning them support from tastemakers like Dixon, Âme, and Laurent Garnier, while releases on acclaimed labels such as Innervisions, Sum Over Histories, Siamese, COD3 QR, and TAU have cemented their reputation as trendsetters rather than followers.
With ‘Hidden Traffic’, the duo pushes even further, blending soulful textures with breakbeat rhythms while maintaining their signature eclecticism. The result is a fresh yet unmistakable sound, marking a dynamic and powerful progression in their artistic trajectory. This album is more than just a collection of tracks; it’s a sonic statement, as they continue to stake their claim as one of the most innovative acts in today’s electronic music scene.
Hard To Tell ‘Hidden Traffic’ is out now via Vitrage Records.
