Hidden Element demonstrates the power of musical diversity with the spectacular Cycles EP, the third and final installment of his recent EP trilogy.
Eclectic and enthralling are two words that adequately describe the sound of Kyiv’s own Hidden Element. His sound typically ranges from sporadic to steady, yet remains consistently technical and inventive. Influences of jungle and break beat are sprinkled throughout many, if not most of his productions. However it is unlikely that you would be able to ascribe any one specific characteristic to encapsulate his sound. Hidden Element’s true strengths are his exceptional creativity and unyielding freedom to explore uncharted territory.
The first track, titled “A Nice and Quiet Moment” is simply beautiful. Raw and artificial sounding drum machines playfully set a pace, while luscious pads sooth the mind and spirit. A third element, a petite analog synth lead, dips and dives its way around the large open space that’s been established, and the need to dance is suddenly undeniable. The track eventually swells into a climax that features what you might call a “drum break solo,” and the gorgeous background is suddenly juxtaposed by a glitched-out, slightly aggressive groove.
Next is the appropriately named track “Mindbugs,” a much darker and more complex dance track. Detailed and daunting, this track is far from sounding anything like the first. A dirty yet slick modern interpretation of a classic reese bass pays homage to the past, but hardly feels old. Filled to the brim with layers of diverse drum kits and samples, the percussion in this track creates a solid, undeniable flow that even the most vetted ears will struggle to keep up with. And who doesn’t like an occasional tire screech thrown in for good measure?
While Hidden Element’s original productions on the EP are all exceptional, the two remixes by artists Nocow and Throwing Snow are the icing on the cake. Need a steady kick drum? Yeah, something told me you might. Nocow’s remix of “Circumference” is sure to satisfy your harder dance needs. Who saw a quality techno production of this caliber coming on this release? Certainly not me, but it is oh so welcome and simply irresistible!
Lastly, is the perfect finale for the EP trilogy, Throwing Snow’s swanky and energetic remix of “Sound Of,” which happens to be an interpretation of the very first production that started off the three-part EP project in the first place. Coming full circle, the remix is another unexpected gem that defies expectations and celebrates the diversity of Hidden Element’s sound.
Each track on Cycles stands out for their uniqueness, not just from the norms and trends of the modern musical landscape we find ourselves in, but also from each other. A release as eclectic and forward thinking as this one is truly deserving of our praise. Look out for the EP’s official bandcamp release today, and listen to the previous two releases Comparisons and Kontinuum if these five stellar tracks just simply aren’t enough.
-Jeronimo Watson
Link: Bandcamp
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