xl regular: attention shift
Francisco Espregueira
Here’s a chilled-out take on the latest from XL Regular with his new EP Attention Shift, out now on Artisjok Records. Based in Rome, XL Regular has been quietly shaping a signature sound that draws from house, broken beat and soulful grooves — his feature in a recent interview noted how he grew up on drumming and bass, absorbing rhythm before even hitting the gear. On Attention Shift he steps back from the everyday flow, inviting the listener into a space where music becomes focal again — re-aligning attention not just to the beat, but to the feeling behind it. The partnership with Artisjok makes sense (following last year’s Store Duties): the Brussels-based label is supporting really good, rhythm-driven, groove-rich music from emerging voices.
What’s especially refreshing is how the EP doesn’t try to do everything at once. Instead it plays like a set of evolving moods, five tracks that collectively show why XL Regular is back on a label familiar to him. The label itself has given him space before, and this return feels strong – like someone who’s found both comfort and creative stretch. And with Artisjok’s ethos of rhythm and groove, the release lands in a fitting home. For fans of textured electronic music that leans into groove rather than gimmick, Attention Shift is a welcome listen. Available on Bandcamp.