A2 – Olekhar – Vse Po Kolu [AFAL002]

Toronto-based but rooted in Kiev, Olekhar returns with the second instalment from his Afalinas label vinyl-only series. Previously operating under his ‘Harris’ and ‘Alexander Harris’ aliases, Olekhar is a fresh start for the highly experienced DJ, seizing an opportunity to pack a multitude of influences and experience into a fresh direction of production and identity. So far, the label has acted as a sonic palette for Olekhar to unleash his own productions. Debuting with the 001 ‘Fin Groove’ EP and now the ‘Intercity’ EP, it flexes Olekhar’s experienced skills once again and conjures the latest splash of his next-gen sound. Drawing upon heavy influences from the Ukrainian underground and early 00s tech-funk house, but fusing it with a bright, modern-edged splash of lucid acid grooves and lushly tainted electro.

The A1, ‘Intercity’, opens with a plethora of scattering enigmatic percs, and sets the scene of an oncoming trippy excursion. Pouncing into the initial bassline, Olekhar keeps the vibe minimal and tempting by encouraging the sleazy bass to occupy the main spaces of this groove exercise: as a series of FX sounds, enchanted melodies, and wonky synths shape-shift and splatter the mix in differing methods.

A2 ‘Vse Po Kolu’ is our premiere, and we’re digging this one massively. Evolving from the hazy antics of its predecessor, this one shifts into gear straight away and reaches for heightened escapades. Circulating robotic elements into the intro’s sound design and then developing into a space-like transmission, Olekhar once again allows the juggernaut bass to do most of the talking, but the phat snares, laser-like synth-stabs and fizzing open hat play produce maximum energy for this colourful weapon.

Maintaining the high energy levels, B1 ‘Obolon3000’ remains firmly in peak-time territory. It’s the tuffest track of the EP, deceptive, dark, and deadly. Olekhar has a deftly adroit ability for crafting funky tainted bass sounds, and he delivers once again with another incredible blast of jolting electro low-end. Groove is in total abundance in this one, and it promises to shake any dance floor with its spine-tingling groove and infected alien synth-sounds.

Lastly, B2 ‘Karavaevy Dachi’ emits a sunset closer vibe and applies the cherry on top of a dexterously gleamy EP, providing the perfect DJ tool to end proceedings with a final groove work-out. Although calm and composed, Olekhar still maintains maximum rhythmic endurance with this one without the need for it to overflow, as the hats shimmer and shake throughout, and the overlapping, radiant synth lines blossom into the atmosphere in complete unison.

House, Deep House, Minimal