Tyche, the latest 12-track album by Florian Forster releasing on Pulse State, commands attention with its quiet, deliberate energy, where rhythm and atmosphere unfold at their own pace and style. Forster expertly lets weighty drums, deep bass, and softly detuned melodic elements settle in naturally, giving the music room to breathe. Subtle shifts and textures emerge gradually, revealing the album’s character without hurry or force and the depth of Forster’s talent.
Much of the album’s appeal comes from its balance between structure and openness. The percussion often carries real physical presence, slow and heavy, while the surrounding sounds remain spacious and gently-detailed. Subtle percussive accents and soft melodic tones move quietly through the mix, adding texture and personality while leaving plenty of space to breathe. Pieces like Always Happy and And On establish this approach early, grounding the listener with solid rhythms while leaving room for small shifts and gradual change.
There is also a clear willingness to let tracks breathe. Several moments across the album pull back on density, focusing instead on mood and tone. Slipped Further and Transcendental Highway are especially effective in this regard, unfolding slowly and letting decay, reverb, and silence become part of the music rather than gaps between ideas. These tracks feel reflective and unforced, inviting immersion rather than demanding attention.
When the album does lean into stranger territory, it does so with purpose. Stepwise and Crashing Through introduce off center rhythms and more unusual sound choices, yet they remain connected to the album’s overall mood. Nothing feels random for its own sake. Even the most abstract passages maintain a sense of flow, guided by careful pacing and consistent sonic character.
By the time Tyche reaches its closing stretch, the album feels fully settled into its own world. In Good Memory and Magic Potion bring together rhythm, texture, and melody in a way that feels quietly satisfying, ending the record on a note of warmth and curiosity rather than finality. More than meeting the high pedigree of other releases on UK-based label Pulse State, this album is a thoughtful, personal, and cohesive statement from Florian Forster, one whose subtle shifts and carefully considered details will reveal more with each listen.
Tyche by Florian Forster releases 23 Jan, 2026 on Pulse State