Effortlessly charming, inquisitive and generous in spirit: 'Total internal reflection' is the beautifully crafted debut album from DJ ojo, returning to Blank Mind, following his acclaimed 2023 EP ‘Coiled up’.
The vivid sound design, irreverent flourishes and elastic rhythms of his past work remain, yet here he leans further into his enduring love of house and techno music. An impressionistic take on the forms, with a light, considered touch that allows his idiosyncrasies to shine through. There’s a synaesthetic quality here, that implies a gestural play between sound, colour and form.
It is functionality that is the key embrace: eight tracks, two discs, two tracks per side. A cohesive body of work purposefully presented to be played out. These guiding principles complement the uniquely skewed style of ojo: there’s always a groove, but it might trip over itself; there’s always a sense of cohesiveness, but it’s never clear; there’s always a dancefloor, but it’s slippery when wet.
The record features art by photographer Thomas Steineder, who interprets the record visually, by bouncing light through analogue film wrapped around a prism, capturing a reflection turned inward.
With ‘Total internal reflection’, ojo has somehow become even more himself, refining his vision into something playful, profound and enduring.
credits
released November 7, 2025
All tracks written and produced by Joe Carver
Mastering and cut: Stardelta Audio Mastering
Artwork: Thomas Steineder
Design and additional production: Sam Purcell
Press release: Oskar Jeff
supported by 22 fans who also own “Total internal reflection”
“Do you still dream in water?” she asks.
He nods—“only when it rains inside.”
Their words drift, slow like signal loss,, soft clicks between heartbeats.
A drone hums overhead,
its shadow stroking their faces.
“Are we free now?” she whispers.
He laughs, small, broken. “We’re just less afraid.”
They share one headphone,
listening to the city’s pulse—
loops of breath,
echoes of what could’ve been
“Hold me,” she says.
“I am,” he answers,
“in the static.” magoski
supported by 22 fans who also own “Total internal reflection”
The perfect underscore for a warmly contemplative afternoon or evening, alone or with others. Lovely and frequently alluring: the perfume of a dream. jūken
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