Many dance music fans were absolutely devastated to hear of the untimely passing of techno innovator i_o, real name Garrett Lockhart, exactly two years ago today.
Now his family has released his last 14 tracks in an album called Warehouse Summer co-created with longtime collaborator and vocalist Lights.
The album is heartbreakingly beautiful, with a combination of acid-filled kicks, powerful trance-like builds, and signature synths that feel both nostalgic and painful. There are also several Drum & Bass inspired tracks including the liquid D&B pieces “Warmth” and “Prayers.”
The final track, “Anything But Wet,” is emotionally stunning and heart-retching as it features voicemails from Garrett’s mom to the late producer. The words of love are accompanied by Lights’ gorgeous vocals and end with a fade out of strong techno kicks that feel like i_o is personally playing out the song.
Lights talked about the album on her social media writing, “Garrett always said Warehouse Summer felt like the feeling you get when you leave the rave at 4AM and the air is hot and sticky and you’re dead af but alive. Like ghosts riding penny boards on a dark summer street. ”
i_o blurred the lines between techno, trance, and progressive bringing the historic genres to a place of emotion and creativity that led many EDM fans into the world of techno. He was a regular on mau5trap before signing to Armada Music, the label that eventually would release his final tracks. He had several strong relationships and collaborators in the industry including Rezz, Eddie, and fellow Icon Collective alumnus Jauz.
Listen to i_o’s final works in Warehouse Summer posthumously released by his family below:
Featured image from i_o
