The Strange Pull of Fate’s Magnets: not even noticed | TROVE 043

Carsten Fluck and Lucas Lejeune were barely teenagers when they struck up a conversation in a Frankfurt record store.

The friendship briefly burned bright before being extinguished…because, you know. Life.

Before fate’s magnets drew them back together in the most random of places.

True to form, the album is a chameleon, slipping comfortably between all manner of moods. Listening through, I can’t help but think it would be the missing jigsaw piece to sunset drinks in someone’s backyard. The close second? Throwing it on at a kick-on to unwind, hushed conversation floating over the top. It’s a no-skips situation: pop it on and let it roll. My pick of the litter is “inside”, a sleeper buried deep in the record. Bliss in spades.

Following the release, a period of musical uncertainty set in. Where to take things next?

They landed on a deeper, more functional club sound, pushing back against the album’s bubblier, more melodic feel. That chapter has since eased, though, with the duo returning to a more open, stretched-out sound.

An offshoot of the album is set to land before the end of 2026. More on that shortly.

When I caught up with Carsten and Lucas, they were in a calmer patch of life than usual. Long summer nights spent soaking up music, figuring out where to take things sonically next. One thing that’s risen to the surface is a new live set. A sizeable task, no doubt, but one the duo have had stacks of fun piecing together.

More often than not, the two are on tour. As they put it: “Spending longer stretches at home feels unfamiliar, but in a good way.” The summer, which is just about closing its doors across the EU, consisted of a punnet of festivals, both as performers and punters.

“We played Funk In The Forest this year. It marked our first time in Wales… we really enjoyed arriving early and spending a bit of time in Welshpool. The festival was pretty wholesome, set in the middle of a forest and delivering magnificent scenery.”

They also made it along to the intimate DIY affair Chimaera with a group of pals. Unbeknownst to me, they’d also found themselves at Stanitzel, where the previously featured e.m.s. was in attendance. The two acts are great friends, so I imagine there was plenty of crossover.

Until we get another taste of not even noticed originals, here’s some insight into the sounds of their peers that have been rubbing them the right way.

1. Justin Drake | “Bom Bom”

This one lives off its groove. The mix is light, the kick sits exactly where it needs to, and nothing fights for space. The whole thing feels lush from start to finish and takes us back to what we consider the best years of tech house.

2. Edmondson | “Crystalvisions”

The production level here is seriously high. The bassline is playful, and the call-and-response between the elements sits perfectly inside the arrangement, so the track keeps moving without ever having to push.

3. 1B3B6 | “Monks”

A beautiful IDM feel. The drums carry a jazzy swing, and above them sits a euphoric synth that reminds us a little of Jai Paul. One of those tracks that works just as well on headphones as it does on a system.

4. Anja Schneider | “Day After”

Dubbiness, lushness and a certain dreaminess in the sounds. The rhythm goes its own way, and the arrangement is nicely twisted while staying catchy throughout, which is a balance we have a lot of respect for.

5. Gal Tsadok Hai | “Dan”

A technoid break track with an industrial edge. Driving, direct and built for the floor, the kind of tool that does its job the moment it drops