Moscow-based electronic producer 813 (real name Goryachev Alexander) has been releasing tracks since 2006, and already has an impressive backcatalogue of EPs, albums and web releases under his belt on labels including Obrazanet and Subwise. This latest 12” EP on Donky Pitch sees him offering up six new tracks that lean distinctly towards the jittery neon synth-lit aesthetic fashioned by the likes of Hudson Mohawke and Zomby, with the occasional post-dubstep influence rearing its head alongside neo-soul stylings. ‘Firefighter’ sees a rush of bright synth stabs locking into synchronisation with contorted, snapping hiphop rhythms and arcing, processed background yells in an offering that hints as much towards the crushed-up likes of The Glitch Mob as much as it does the aforementioned UK-based comparison points, while ‘Blue Birds’ sees things getting more sinister as moody bass synths and pitchbent solos stretch out amongst woody-sounding percussion breaks and handclaps, glittering 8-bit tones snaking through the last inches of space left in the mix. Elsewhere, ‘Plumbous Bubbles’ sees things getting more spiky and menacing as harsh, zapping synth bursts dart back and forth, only for a lush backdrop of bright, trailing synth-soul tendrils to suddenly drench everything in a rain of cut-up vocal stabs and shimmering electro-soul vamps. Inspired stuff from a name to watch.
Chris Downton
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