At a time when techno often risks homogeneity, Simina Grigoriu delivers a statement of intent – bold, intricate, and undeniably hers – with her powerful debut on Monika Kruse’s iconic Terminal M imprint. The two-track EP, ‘Arkana / Partners Of Destiny’, is not just a showcase of Simina’s technical finesse, but a layered journey into the mystic heart of modern techno.
Opening with ‘Arkana’, Simina taps into a primal energy. Built around hypnotic drum patterns and finely sculpted synth motifs, the track conjures a dark, almost ceremonial atmosphere. Its progression is slow-burning yet surgical – a masterclass in restraint. Here, she channels the spirit of classic minimalism, but filters it through her own kinetic vision, weaving tension and release in ever-tighter spirals. The result? A track that doesn’t just demand movement, but submission.
On the flip side, ‘Partners Of Destiny’ pushes deeper into Simina’s fascination with fate, interconnectedness, and sonic storytelling. Its groove is propulsive, urgent – but beneath the surface lies a meditative pulse, a sense of purpose. Swirling textures emerge like echoes from another dimension, while subtly shifting percussion drives the momentum forward. It’s the kind of track that doesn’t just belong on the dancefloor – it owns it.
This EP marks a pivotal moment in Simina’s evolution. After years cultivating a distinct sound through her Berlin-based label Kuukou Records and a string of acclaimed releases, her arrival on Terminal M feels both inevitable and electrifying. The label, known for championing artists who blur the line between raw power and refined craft, finds in Simina a perfect match: a producer who honours techno’s roots while relentlessly pushing its edges.
In her recent sets – from the industrial energy of Berlin’s underground to the sun-drenched euphoria of Europe’s summer festivals – both ‘Arkana’ and ‘Partners Of Destiny’ have become secret weapons. Road-tested in front of thousands, they’ve sparked moments of collective ecstasy, threading Simina’s rhythmic precision with the crowd’s unspoken need for transcendence.
This isn’t just a release; it’s an affirmation. With ‘Arkana / Partners Of Destiny’, Simina Grigoriu steps onto one of techno’s most revered platforms not as a newcomer, but as an artist fully in command of her voice. Fierce, focused, and fearless – this is techno that remembers the ritual.
Simina Grigoriu – Arkana / Partners Of Destiny is out now via Terminal M
