KOMPONENTE Vinyl & CDs

Review: Komponente and Kurilo co-run the hilariously named label Trance Pandemic. Their latest EP here, 'Defenders', is a continuation of their previous release 'For A Brave', both of which were made either prior to or in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, an event which has thoroughly shaped the pair's creative evolution. Though trance/breaks/acid might not be a convergence of genres normally associated with social upheaval, that could all change here: the likes of 'Broken Dreams' and 'Kharkiv Mnemonic' are adroit movers, acid-squelch-laden rhythmatizers and miltant psychic marchers, perfect for mobilizing spirits and hearts on mass.

Review: Trance Pandemic is a brilliantly titled label that seems rather tongue in cheek. There is nothing questionable about the music this Ukrainian label is putting out though. Now up to to a fourth release, this one is another teary eyed and classy outing with Komponente and Kurilo at the controls. Opener 'Millennium 2000' has that retro-future feel with silky drums and rubbery bass overlaid with nice new age melodies. 'James Webb' is a squelchy bit of cosmic funk with lovely machine textures and 'Sonic.exe' then recalls classic 90s video games. Last of all is 'Avec' which brings some nice acid bounce.