“NECH005 EP” is the fifth release on DJ Nastia’s label NECHTO, a project dedicated to uncompromising industrial sounds from talented underground Ukrainian producers like Symonenko.
Symonenko shows off his range in this short, but very rich selection of tracks. “KITI” might be the most original of this debut release. With excellent mixing, he creates a spacious sound that allows him to layer melodies and synths together at high frequencies. Rusted metal sticks, an open cymbal and needle-sharp high hats work together like gears, lurching the rhythm forward reluctantly as it’s met with friction from a crunchy bass. Like undulating waves, the track keeps you swimming in suspense, awaiting an inevitable crash against the cliffs.
Trance lovers will gravitate toward “Ittoshi,” a haunting, techno ballad that begins with a voice chanting, “Higher than the feeling of god, feeling of freedom / More important than the feeling of God, waiting for freedom.” This spellbinding voice weaves through the metallic texture of dark baritone vocals and unrelenting percussion. Later in the track, the bass note and hi-hat strike in unison every sixteenth note, and yet, he somehow manages to make it sound atmospheric.
“Max4Live” hints at Symonenko’s punk rock past as the track begins with a catchy electric guitar riff. Tracks like this have so much drive that any drop would be futile, but when the hi-hats arrive, there is relief. The melody is dark and urgent, and the track’s overall feel is peak hour, hardcore rave. Dancing to this track in a quarantine bedroom, one might stub a toe or two. Symonenko is just getting us warmed up.
-Lina Xing
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