DZA is Sasha Kholenko, a Russian beat-maker who creates a crowded, hyperactive – yet extremely listenable – brand of electronica, with huge-sounding synths and bleeps, and heavy, hip-hop inspired beats.
Right from opener “Apple Joo” it is clear Kholenko is a real pleasure-seeker aiming for the dance floor. The song is a dizzying and frenzied mix of stuttering beats and wonky and elastic synths. Elsewhere, “Easy Go” ventures into more glitchy territory and “Starshark” almost sounds like a march – both have much going on, but are beautifully arranged and have thumping beats to anchor the anarchy.
Perhaps aware that trying to maintain this energy level may leave some listeners exhausted, Kholenko calms things down somewhat for the considerably slower “Miami Cocktail”. It is the most hip-hop sounding song on the album, with a beat perfect to nod your head to. It is still very much stylistically adventurous, closing out with a tasteful steel drum- sounding melody line.
This is an extremely layered and busy EP. However, the artistic restlessness that Kholenko brings to his music and the eclectic nature of many of these tracks is an endearing quality, and one that should help him gain a wide audience in the future. Supershark is a generous, adventurous and fun-loving release – one perfect for both clubs and home listening.
Wyatt Lawton-Masi
