Shojo releases new album ‘MEGAPLEX’

Hailing from Cluj-Napoca in Romania, Shojo is an electronic music producer and member of the OWPN Academy who’s been making an impact with his sonic output over the last couple of years. In October 2024, he made his official artistic entrance with his debut record Formula Front, following up last year with a string of impressive singles and his EP, VX 2000 as well as linking up with The Classical Basshead on a remix of “Bozo Racers.”

Shojo’s sound has always been based in exploration, taking cues from a wide array of influences while consistently moving between sounds, treating genre less as a fixed parameter and more as a set of tools to draw from. That mindset now reaches a new level with MEGAPLEX, a ten-track release which provides the perfect snapshot of his developing musical vision

The album brings together multiple sonic layers, blending classic influences from the 2000s with a slick electronic edge, offering a project that revels in variety, allowing different styles to collide within a dance music framework. MEGAPLEX flows through drum and bass, jungle, garage, breakbeat, techno and ambient stylings, each genre reflecting a different aspect of Shojo’s early musical experiences.

These sounds aren’t being revisited for nostalgia alone but reinterpreted through a modern lens, resulting in music that feels at once reflective and cutting edge, distilling the energy of past eras while reshaping it for the audience of today. An important influence behind the project comes from the soundtracks of PS2-era games, as well as the wider rave culture of the 2000s. That inspiration ripples through the record; it informs the structure of the album, the selection of sounds and the emotional tone that ties everything together.

Opening with “westfalia,” the rustle of transportive samples gives way to the flicker of bouncy instrumental stabs as the echo of vocal shots is met by the shuffle of rolling beats. Charging with driving forward momentum, the tracks serves up a minimalist slice of uptempo drum and bass that develops with the zap of fluttering synths and stuttering tones to form a euphoric dancefloor soundscape. On “exotic,” Shojo links with with luce to cast a dreamy scene of drifting instrumental textures and the rattle of lively drums breaks, creating a slick contrast between the relentless punch of percussion and moments of mesmeric sonic bliss.

“gotek” brings the wail of siren-like synths and swell of energy before dropping with pounding kick and rumbling bass, laying down an epic showcase of his creativity and sound design flair. On “corridon,” featuring eratekk, the pulse of warm synth timbres and crisp patter of drums sets up an invigorating sound of stabby instrumentation, buzzing textures and energising rhythms.

Other highlights on the record include tracks like “metalheart 2009” with its retro electronic vibes and shifting drum patterns, taking listeners on an engrossing voyage from start to finish. “silver spider” forms with the jittery bubble of synth notes, sweeping bass tones and vocal samples before launching with raucous percussion and atmospheric sonic elements to offer a wholly absorbing moment on the release.

Closing the LP with “acacia,” the soft pulse of shimmering tones and hazy basslines presents a hypnotic musical experience, delivering a truly immersive finale to his incredible new record. From start to finish, MEGAPLEX crafts an enveloping and thoroughly enjoyable musical world that once again confirms Shojo’s status as a must watch electronic producer on the rise.

Listen to MEGAPLEX below