Floating Points, the alias of Sam Shepherd, is an artist whose music defies boundaries. With a PhD in neuroscience and epigenetics, he brings a rare intellectual depth to his work. Whether exploring the stillness of the Mojave Desert, crafting hypnotizing electronic albums like Crush, or collaborating with jazz legend Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra, Floating Points’ music is an immersive experience. His latest offering, Cascade, returns to the heart-pounding, sweat-soaked dancefloors, delivering an album that is both electrifying and introspective.

For fans yearning for a return to the high-energy electronic dance scene, Cascade delivers.From the first track, “Vocoder,” the tempo hits like a jolt of adrenaline, with an infectious BPM that refuses to let you stand still. Stretching over eight minutes, “Vocoder” feels like a track designed for losing yourself in the pulse of a nightclub. It’s the kind of song that doesn’t just invite dancing but demands it, evoking a sense of escape through rhythm.

Tracks like “Key103” and “Birth4000” continue this theme of dancefloor dominance, building a dark, club-like atmosphere reminiscent of Berghain, Berlin’s famed techno haven. Heavy synths, layered electronic melodies, and perfectly timed drops transform these songs into something immersive and primal. “Birth4000,” highlights Cascade’s place as an album for the club while showcasing Shepherd’s undeniable skill in blending textures and pushing boundaries.

Yet, Cascade isn’t just a one-dimensional dance record. Shepherd’s genius lies in his ability to balance high-energy tracks with moments of calm and introspection. Throughout the album, he introduces songs like “Ocotillo” and “Ablaze,” which offer a more subdued, reflective tone. These tracks slow the pace, allowing listeners to catch their breath and absorb the subtleties in his compositions. The slight tonal shifts and careful layering throughout the album become more perceptible with repeat listens, highlighting how much thought Shepherd put into Cascade. It’s the kind of record that rewards patience, revealing new depths with every spin.

One of the most impressive aspects of Cascade is that it was created entirely on Shepherd’s laptop, a testament to his technical skill and creativity. Despite the simplicity of the setup, the album feels vast and layered, full of intricate details that make each track feel like a world unto itself. Whether it’s the dark, driving energy of the first half or the more ambient, reflective moments in the latter half, Floating Points masterfully guides listeners through an emotional, exploratory journey.

In Cascade, Floating Points reclaims the dancefloor while elevating the genre beyond its traditional boundaries. It’s an album that celebrates the euphoria of dance music while also offering moments of introspection, all the while showcasing Shepherd’s unrivaled talent as both a producer and a composer.

Order Cascade by Floating Points HERE