Don’t let the intro of the title monitor for Digital Actuality, Tengu’s first solo multi-track since 2020’s Comin’ In Robust LP idiot you. The sunshine, lilting, barely classic synths drop into the Brighton producer’s trademark insanity quickly sufficient, after which it’s working basslines, crunchy synths and jumpy rollers from begin to end on his new Digital Actuality EP, out this week on Korsakov Music.
Tengu has at all times had a capability to mix gentle, ravey parts with soiled, heavy bass and neuro thrives in a means that doesn’t sound hokey or try-hard, and Digital Actuality isn’t any exception. The hookup with dancefloor imprint Korsakov Music is well timed as properly, as after Tengu launched a monitor on the Dutch label’s Future Stars compilation final yr that was wildly common, it appeared solely a matter of time earlier than an EP was due. With summer season festie season about to start in earnest, these tracks are more likely to see much more play, and rightfully so.
The ravey, Tron-like synths comply with Digital Actuality by all its tracks, so it’s apparent there’s a theme right here. On second monitor “Rayquaza” one may even name the synths so ravey that they’re progressive, that’s till the second drop, the place a chunky af synth takes over and pushes the monitor into epic dancefloor/neuro vibes. Seeing because it’s named after a equally epic Pokémon, the development of this monitor appears becoming. The EP’s nearer “Cell”, in contrast, is all chunky synths and has a extra ominous vibe than its predecessors. Maybe signifying an epic VR battle, the script is flipped right here a bit, with the synths sounding very fashionable however the drums and snares having a enjoyable, starburst throwback vibe.
The title monitor to Virtual Actuality is our YEDM premiere at the moment and regardless of its very classic, keys-from-Kyrie-by-Mr. Mister vibe, that steadiness between gentle and darkish, elegant and heavy is current, with a great deal of fascinating sine wave manipulation and ambient sound design that basically introduces the theme of the EP properly. The highs and bass circulation collectively properly right here, and if we’re speaking steadiness, it most likely is essentially the most balanced monitor. Meaning it’ll most likely be essentially the most performed this summer season, as it would combine properly with a great deal of totally different kinds and genres.
Whereas all Tengu’s releases over the previous few years (normally on Southampton UK label YosH) have this beautiful balanced high quality that works properly with totally different mixes, it appears he’s dialing that type in much more these days, and it’ll doubtless serve him properly. With Korsakov Music and its Future Stars collection as a fairly first rate predictor, followers can count on to see much more of Tengu within the coming months and years.
Digital Actuality drops this Friday, June 3 on Korsakov Music. Click on right here to pre-order or pre-save.
