Some albums feel like a collection of songs. Others feel like stepping into a fully built world. HoverGrease 2 Original Soundtrack by Epicondylitis definitely belongs in the second category.
This debut project isn’t just music for the sake of it; it’s the sonic backbone of an entire universe tied to his upcoming game. From the first moments, you’re pulled into a dystopian, cyberpunk setting where technology, control, and tension shape everything. The sound design does a lot of the storytelling here, making it easy to picture neon-lit streets, towering systems of power, and a constant hum of digital life in the background.
Musically, the album leans heavily into synth-driven production with an industrial edge. There’s a strong 80s influence running through it, but it never feels stuck in the past. Instead, it plays with that retro aesthetic and fuses it with modern electronic elements, creating something that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The “cassette-punk” vibe really comes through, with warm analog-style tones sitting alongside sharper, more mechanical textures.
What makes the project stand out is how it was built. A lot of the ideas started as rough sketches captured while on the move, then carefully shaped later on. You can hear that contrast between spontaneity and precision throughout the album. It feels alive, like it evolved naturally rather than being overly polished from the start.
There’s also a clear sense of purpose behind every track. Nothing feels random. Each piece contributes to the larger atmosphere, whether it’s building tension, creating space, or pushing the energy forward. It works as a standalone listen, but it also feels like it’s meant to be experienced alongside something bigger, which makes sense given its connection to the game.
Epicondylitis’ background in visual arts and programming really shows here. This is someone who isn’t just making music, but constructing an entire experience where sound, story, and environment all connect.
For a debut album, HoverGrease 2 Original Soundtrack feels ambitious in the best way. It’s immersive, detailed, and clearly driven by a strong creative vision, offering a glimpse into a world that’s as intriguing as it is intense.
HoverGrease 2 Original Soundtrack is more than music, it’s a fully realised cyberpunk world brought to life through sound
Listen on all platforms here
