Akov - Shapeshifter EP (2017) FLAC

AKOV follows up his recent initial foray on the label with a solid step into the EATBRAIN fold in the form of the SHAPESHIFTER EP. Comprising 4 tracks of exquisitely dynamic neurofunk and experimental beats that dares to dive between tempos and deliver an entirely fresh take on the genre. From the outset with title track SHAPESHIFTER, a curve ball hits swift, as a straight intro leads into a drop that stretches reality and deviates between spacious reese action and busy percussion, before heavily reglitching itself into a deliciously wonky form. ABRAXAS leads a more epic path with a shimmering, beautiful intro infused with ethnic aesthetics that gives way to an entirely punishing machinegun drop that only pauses to reload and issue a heavy staccato bass cannon. With GAMES WITH GOD featuring THE CLAMPS, the metallic nature of the drums edges up a notch and the vibe leans toward a more sinister but rolling edge. CONTACT turns the tempo way down to 128 but elevates the attitude to a new level, delivering a chugging and brutish stepper of a tune that carries its neuro core effectively to the vein.

The range of ideas within the Shapeshifter EP serves as a technical breath of fresh air to a genre that's build on the concept of progression and experimentation. Akov delivers the manifesto of an artist intent on pushing the sound further, delivered on a label at the forefront of futuristic d&b.