LIZZ drops hypnotic ‘Chords Locator’ EP on Handpicked

Romanian DJ and producer LIZZ, aka Petre Vali, has been a key figure in the minimal house scene, known for his deep, hypnotic grooves and intricate sound design.

His latest EP, ‘Chords Locator’, marks an exciting new chapter in his career, especially with it being released on Handpicked, the sub-label of Music is 4 Lovers.

Handpicked, founded by Ramin Majlessi in San Diego, is all about pushing the boundaries of underground house music, with a sharp focus on the deep, intricate grooves of minimal house.

Drawing inspiration from Romanian minimal icons like Rhadoo, Priku, and Cristi Cons, this label is fast becoming a powerhouse in the underground scene, spotlighting emerging talent and delivering fresh, sophisticated sounds that keep the true underground vibe alive.

As the sub-label of Music is 4 Lovers, a heavyweight in the house music world known for quality releases and events, Handpicked hones in on the more niche minimal sound. Where Music is 4 Lovers caters to a wide spectrum of house music lovers, Handpicked digs deeper into the underground with meticulously curated releases.

LIZZ’s ‘Chords Locator’ EP is a prime example of this, showcasing the label’s knack for groove-driven, high-quality music that resonates with both minimal heads and house music connoisseurs.

Title track ‘Chords Locator’ is six-and-a-half minutes of crisp, energetic percussion, wrapped in warm synth layers. The track evolves with a gradual build-up of intricate melodies and atmospheric textures, keeping us in perpetual aural excitement.

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With ‘Synth Dimensions’, the groove deepens. Pulsating basslines drive the track as rhythmic melodies weave through shimmering synths, all while showcasing LIZZ’s precision in crafting minimalistic beats and rolling, weighty basslines that lock you into a hypnotic flow.

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‘No Mood’ turns the intensity up, leaning into darker, more hypnotic realms. A thick, resonant bassline anchors the track, before subtle percussive hits and light, airy synths shift the vibe into a groovy, uplifting direction—transforming the brooding intro into something irresistibly danceable.

On remix duties, we have fabric London resident Halo Varga, who also happens to be half of H Foundation and owner of Muted Noise Recordings. His reinterpretation of 'No Mood', where shimmering synths add melodic depth. Individually, the synth lines may seem monotone, but when layered together, they inject a subtle brightness into the original track’s moody vibe without losing its flow.

‘Chords Locator’ is out now as a Beatport exclusive and will be available on all other platforms on September 30; purchase here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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