The superstar DJ delivers his second single from upcoming album CTRL ESCAPE, scheduled for release on April 15th. This isn't just another tech house banger—it's a masterclass in building tension and releasing it on the dancefloor.
The Sound
Berlin-based vocalist LAVINIA's haunting vocals beckon listeners into a midnight drive through a city that never sleeps. At 138 BPM, the track pulses with anthemic energy that's both intimate and mysterious, where existential questions meet four-on-the-floor beats.
The production is pristine. Summit's signature tech house flourishes combine with layered synths to create a sense of desire and the pull of the unknown. It's the kind of track that works equally well in headphones during a late-night drive or booming through a festival PA system at 2 AM.
The Context
This collaboration represents a significant moment in Summit's evolution as an artist. The track transforms the former accountant into a true mainstage architect, cementing his position as one of tech house's most important voices in 2026.
"SHADOWS" serves as the second preview of CTRL ESCAPE, following January's lead single "LIGHTS GO OUT." The album drops strategically on Tax Day (April 15th)—a cheeky nod to Summit's past life as a CPA before dedicating himself to the chaos of the dancefloor.
What Makes It Work
The genius of "SHADOWS" lies in its balance. It's dark without being oppressive, energetic without being exhausting, emotional without being overwrought. LAVINIA's vocals provide the perfect counterpoint to Summit's driving production, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that keeps you locked in from start to finish.
The track invites listeners into a seductive escape from reality, where the lyrics pair seamlessly with tech-house flourishes to heighten a sense of desire and the pull of the unknown. This shared surrender reflects Summit's broader album ethos, framing music not just as escape, but as a communal experience—where collective euphoria becomes both rebellion and belonging.
The Verdict
With "SHADOWS," John Summit proves he's not content to rest on his laurels. This is an artist pushing his sound forward while staying true to the fundamentals that made him one of the biggest names in tech house. If this is what we're getting from CTRL ESCAPE, April can't come soon enough.
Catch Summit closing Ultra Music Festival's mainstage in March, where "SHADOWS" is guaranteed to cause absolute carnage.