
On ‘splitter,’ barking continues Crafts Intricate Electronic Music That Feels Human
Written by: chris.
In the sprawling digital landscape, true artistic discovery often occurs in niche communities. One such hub is WEAREHUMANS, a Discord server founded by producer Tom Finster, where moderator Johannes Schlump has been quietly honing his craft. As barking continues, the Berlin-based producer has emerged as one of the more fascinating new voices in electronic music.
Schlump (also of the duo Donkong) operates in a compelling space between downtempo and vocal-driven glitch-pop. His signature involves weaving languid grooves with pulsating, side-chained synths, fractured vocal samples, and cinematic textures that carry a palpable emotional weight. This is rarely music for the main room; even when the percussion hints at drum and bass or garage, the focus remains on subtle mood evocation rather than dancefloor pyrotechnics. Yet, an infectious rhythm almost always underpins the intricate arrangements, demanding at least a contemplative head nod.
Released on July 18, the seven-track, 30-minute EP splitter serves as a potent introduction to his world.


The EP opens with its title track and lead single, a gentle ascent that builds into a UK garage-influenced piece. Soft, layered vocals drift over tastefully detuned synths as the song gathers momentum, establishing the project's pensive yet propulsive tone. "X," featuring vocalist Dissy, begins with processed vocals that build to a dramatic cascade of supersaws before the floor drops out, revealing a supple R&B groove supported by immaculate sound design.
From there, the EP explores varied sonic territory. "hoffen und scheitern" ("hope and fail") opens with a spoken-word reflection on computers before shifting into an homage to classic chiptune. The track gradually morphs into Schlump's more familiar territory of evolving textures and vocal chops before closing on another profound German vocal sample. On "feuerwerk" ("firework"), the emotional gravity of the lyrics is palpable even for non-speakers. The beat is heavy and dense, yet feels perfectly calibrated to the track's soft, introspective atmosphere. It is a testament to music's ability to transcend language.
The influence of collaborator Tom Finster is clearest on "herz" ("heart"). Here, heavily processed vocals drag raw emotion across surgical drum and bass rhythms, evoking a surprising sense of homecoming. Following its intensity, "sind wir bald da?" ("are we there yet?") offers a dense, atmospheric respite. When the beat arrives, it feels both welcome and necessary, while the vocals settle effortlessly atop the mix. Each new element feels surprising yet, in retrospect, inevitable — a hallmark of Schlump's compelling arrangements. The EP concludes with "gold," a celebratory climax of soulful vocals, swinging drums, and bright synths that recall the Nostalchic era of Lapalux.

In an era where cynical declarations about the death of art are commonplace, splitter serves as a potent rebuttal. It is a compelling argument that some of today’s most vital creativity is flourishing not in the mainstream spotlight, but in the fertile, hyper-connected corners of the internet. For listeners drawn to electronic producers who prioritize emotional resonance over peak-time energy, barking continues is an essential discovery. He is an artist well worth watching, evolving from a community standout into a producer with a rich, distinct, and deeply compelling voice.
WEAREHUMANS is literally glorping with talent, slowly seeping out of their little corner, and making things a little better for the rest of us. Here are some other artists that I’ve discovered through this Discord group that deserve more attention:
Neezko - https://linktr.ee/neezko?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=15cb7662-e823-40a3-862d-8fce71599c7f
Moekel - https://linktr.ee/moekel?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=15ee68fb-847a-4a0d-a3da-fb84bac61a7d
Not Fair - https://www.instagram.com/notfairmusic?igsh=MTZqeGpndXV4dnlmbA==
Lukher - https://linktr.ee/lukher?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5e0c8fd4-6553-430b-81cf-89b685c98f41
Result - https://www.instagram.com/result_sounds?igsh=dXpmdTdwZ2h6emo=
Nonkalonk - https://linktr.ee/nonkalonk?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=61024874-95f0-44cd-aa37-a152bdc2999b