Hakimonu - Insular Realms

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  • After more than five years of mostly self-released digital tracks (plus lengthy 2012 digital LP on Sleep Is Commercial), Israeli artist Hakimonu returns with his first solo vinyl EP, Insular Realms, for Tel Aviv's Black Crow Records. It features two original cuts that prove his off-kilter take on techno and house is as vibrant and inviting as ever, along with fine remixes from Inland (AKA Ed Davenport) and label heads Deep'a and Biri. Echoed organ lines fly skittishly through the mix on the title track, which moves between long, spaced-out pauses and passages with nuanced tribal percussion. "Jiriki," anchored by a low but steady kick drum, is calmer and more easygoing, as Hakimonu conjures light drones, noodly basslines and a water-like effect that sounds as if it might trickle right out of your speakers. On the flip are two tough and direct remixes of "Insular Realms" geared for DJ use. Inland offers a near-total rework—and a very ravey one at that—where only a sliver of the original's unsettled riffs can be heard beneath an almost frantic synth lead and some dense hi-hat and cymbal work. Deep'a and Biri's sleek, shadowy interpretation is more faithful to the source material, and finds a middle ground between the original's heady ambience and Inland's intense take. Come for some cozy jams from Hakimonu, and stay for the floor-ready remixes.
  • Tracklist
      A1 Insular Realms A2 Jiriki B1 Insular Realms (Inland Remix) B2 Insular Realms (Deep’a & Biri Version)
RA