Raze.D is the new project from Ivor Novello nominated producer D.Ramirez – globally renowned producer of innovative, chart-topping club tracks across genres. Raze.D sees him lean away from the dancefloor and head into more thought-provoking territory, centred on his own songwriting and voice for the first time. Raze.D’s debut album ‘Angry Silhouette’ is out now on Dreamwave and finds him digging deep to serve up his most personal work to date. Inspired by the 80’s Sheffield post-punk and early electronic scene he grew up around and bands like Human League, ABC, Cabaret Voltaire, and Depeche Mode, while also harking back to his early days singing in bands, ‘Angry Silhouette’ came about during the pandemic when D.Ramirez had time to reconnect with the more introspective side of his creativity. The album’s foundation is strong, accomplished songwriting; intriguing melodies and hooks meld seamlessly with world-class production. Lyrical themes muse on our deepening relationship with technology, social media addictions, self-worth, the influence of tech giants and much more. With a debut album influenced by an array of seminal artists in electronic music, we thought a Back To Mine selection from Raze.D would be something special, and we were right…
Karen O & Danger Mouse – Turn The Light
A dreamy, soulful groove that feels like a warm embrace. I first heard it during the pandemic and instantly became obsessed with its quiet optimism.
Heaven 17 – Let Me Go
A bittersweet synth-pop masterpiece, blending icy electronics with raw emotion. Its pulsing rhythm and haunting melodies capture the ache of longing and the struggle to break free. I was so obsessed, I bought five different 12-inch versions—just for the different cover colors. Another fact – it was one of the first commercially released records to feature the Roland TBV-303 bass line.
ELO – Living Thing
A lush, orchestral pop gem bursting with drama and nostalgia. Its soaring strings and infectious melodies create a perfect mix of melancholy and joy. And the icing on the cake? That unforgettable penis scene from Boogie Nights.
The Smiths – Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before
A jangly, bittersweet anthem laced with wit and melancholy. Its driving rhythm and Morrissey’s sardonic lyrics capture the perfect mix of regret, resignation, and dark humor. I even saw The Smiths’ last-ever concert in Nottingham in 1986—or was it?
Ian Brown – F.E.A.R
A hypnotic, brooding masterpiece built on cryptic wordplay and an eerie, cinematic groove. Its relentless pulse and haunting strings create a feeling of mystery, introspection, and quiet rebellion. This song even inspired my RAZE.D track, Keep This Dream Alive.
Mysie – Sweet Relief
A sultry, hypnotic groove that feels like a deep exhale. With its lush melodies and soulful vocals, it oozes intimacy and escape—pure late-night bliss. Another absolute tearjerker for me.
Depeche Mode – Stripped
A dark, hypnotic masterpiece that strips everything down to raw desire. With its pounding industrial beats, haunting synths, and the throbbing car engine sound, it feels both seductive and dystopian—pure atmospheric intensity. The best Depeche Mode song for me.
John Grant – Pale Green Ghosts
A dark, cinematic journey blending eerie synths with raw, poetic lyricism. Its haunting atmosphere and pulsating energy feel both hypnotic and cathartic—like driving through the night, lost in memory and regret. This track even inspired my RAZE.D track, Push The Fader.
Metronomy – The Bay
A sleek, funky, and effortlessly cool slice of electro-pop. Its infectious groove and sun-soaked vibe capture the feeling of escapism—like cruising down the coast, lost in a daydream. No song has ever reached the euphoria of that chorus for me.
The Human League – Being Boiled
Before the Human League split off into 2 bands they created a raw, industrial synth classic with an eerie, mechanical pulse. Its dark, minimalist sound perfectly captures the grit and atmosphere of a changing era. This one takes me right back to growing up in the bleak city of Sheffield in the 70s and 80s.
Raze.D ‘Angry Silhouette’ is out now.
https://dreamwave.lnk.to/AngrySilhouette