Berlin’s schalter.exe unveils his latest sonic adventure today: I can guide you through the maze, an eight-track EP released on the ever-inventive Moniker Eggplant. Since 2012, the label has delighted listeners with its wild mix of electronic sounds and quirky extras like eggplant recipes, and this release is no exception. Only 50 grey sandy cassettes exist, each crafted by Headless Duplicated Tapes and paired with a recipe for Eggplant and Mint Salad with Yoghurt. schalter.exe, a connoisseur of vintage synthesis, dives deep into retro computer vibes, channeling the raw digital energy of classic PC games. The full digital EP is now up on Bandcamp, a love letter to FM synthesis and pixelated nostalgia.
schalter.exe creates imaginary game worlds throughout the EP, shifting from complex, heavy tracks like ‘Loner‘ to lighter, more adventurous tracks like ‘Skeletons rule the Earth‘ . The music covers a range of moods, including strategic buildup, dystopian tension, intimidation, and moments of humor that remind listeners of classic adventure games. Every track was made using his OPLoid FM-Synthesizer, a software instrument based on the OPL2 and OPL3 chips known for their FM sounds. This gives the EP a steady sound: sharp, raw digital textures that mix lo-fi charm with a strong sense of nostalgia, bringing to mind old text-based games and pixel adventures.
The video for ‘Emotional Main Title Theme’ stands out, featuring a full visualizer packed with colorful pixels, code streams, interference patterns, and alternate-reality glitches reminiscent of early computer screens. It captures the track’s sweeping melodies perfectly, blending playfulness with a poignant retro feel in a way that elevates the whole release. 
Watch the video here:
schalter.exe wrote, produced, and mastered the entire EP himself, giving it a focused style in a scene crowded with retro-inspired music. Where other producers tend to throw retro sounds to a wall in hopes that something sticks, schalter.exe takes you on an otherworldly journey. Fans of chiptune or those who love the sound of old PC audio will find a lot to enjoy. Moniker Eggplant keeps supporting unique electronic releases, and I can guide you through the maze is a great example of their work.
Listen to I can guide you through the maze:
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