RetroHaze’s ‘Witch In Forest’: A Lo-Fi Escape into the Unknown

Lo-fi music thrives on subtlety - the gentle crackle of vinyl, the soft pulse of a bassline, and melodies that feel like distant echoes from a forgotten dream. RetroHaze’s latest single, Witch In Forest, embodies this essence perfectly, blending atmospheric mystery with jazz-infused guitar and hypnotic chill-hop textures.

From the opening notes, the track draws the listener into an immersive soundscape, ideal for quiet moments of introspection, studying, or simply watching raindrops trace patterns on a window. The title itself hints at something elusive, something just beyond reach. The guitar work adds a layer of warmth, counterbalancing the melancholic yet soothing rhythm of the beat.

There is an understated magic in the way the music flows - light and airy, yet deeply grounding. It invites the listener to drift away, lose track of time, and linger in its world for as long as needed. While the track’s hypnotic quality is its greatest strength, a slight variation in the latter half - perhaps a subtle shift in percussion or an unexpected melodic layer - could enhance the listening experience even further.

RetroHaze’s journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. Having been involved in music from an early age, the artist’s path was shaped by close friendships and a passion for creation. Meeting Andry Horror at music school at the age of 10 proved to be a pivotal moment, leading to the formation of The Lofl, later renamed Imitation of a Noisy Company. This post-punk and indie band quickly gained traction, recording two albums and performing at local events. However, the outbreak of war in Ukraine brought these creative pursuits to an abrupt halt.

As the situation worsened, the band members found themselves scattered across different countries, marking the end of an era. RetroHaze relocated to Germany, facing a period of creative silence while adapting to a new life. It was only through connecting with fellow artists and attending small creative gatherings that inspiration gradually returned, reigniting the passion for music.

Witch In Forest is more than just a lo-fi track - it is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of artistic expression. It serves as a reminder that, even in the most uncertain times, creativity has the ability to find its way back, offering solace and escape through sound.