Buy link: oathcreations.bandcamp.com/album/forget
Gliding across the slipstreams, leaving no frequency unturned, unraveling the tether into the glitter and the gloss. The strata meander, the grooves contract then explode with gusto and grace, the listener transported along through the haze and into a soundscape of such purpose and feeling. Its emotive music is at its most enticing, its most enigmatic, it’s most surprising.
If there ever were an artist who defied the notion of labels and embraced the boundlessness of the unknown, it would undoubtedly be Gacha Bakradze, who has taken listeners on the most sublime of journeys through his releases. It’s easier to say his sound is grounded in emotional purity than in one singular genre (or indeed a group of genres), as Bakradze prefers to skirt between the lines, picking up and manipulating the frequencies that persist within the electronic stratosphere. His inspiring technical touch is partnered with a joyous exploratory nature, guidance that has seen him put very few feet wrong as he swerves between a multitude of styles and genres. From his now-fabled releases on the legendary Apollo label, through to his deeply thought-provoking LP efforts on Lapsus, along with a number of astonishing EPs on imprints such as Cin Cin, Best Works, Fever AM, and more, Bakradze always finds room to involve the listener with his world – so that the two can grow more fond of each other. The bond that Bakradze crafts with his music to the people who come into contact with is undeniable, as his journey caresses the ground and points in so many directions – it’s simply a matter of seeing It reach out and surprise us once again. No matter what mood you find yourself in, his music gives as much as it takes, a bountiful relationship that only serves to expand your mind and make you feel like you’ve never felt before.
To provide a space for Bakradze to bottle his magic should be at the top of the list for many a label, and Oath has looked to do just that with ‘Forget’. The five trackers have the hallmarks of whatever you might define as his ‘classic’ emotive hallmarks, but with plenty of dynamic motifs thrown in for good measure that provide the listener with that sense of progression – not to mention the expertness in his craft, which is evident throughout. ‘Shifting’ kicks things off, with a quietly involving arpeggio providing the basis for the kicks and gorgeous piano leads to come into play. By the time the bass notes come into play, there is already that engrossing feeling coming to the surface. It’s a subtle electro kind of vibe, gentle and swaying but with a hefty dollop of energy that surfaces through the breaks and the swerves. ‘Lake’ continues onwards with another delicate arpeggio getting things going before ascending into a deep, diverse, and expansive scape indeed. The energy swerves, grows, and rises from top to bottom, ensuring the journey feels like it has no end – the gorgeous key line that lands itself within the higher ends around the mid-way mark seals the deal.
‘What You Say’ starts in a similar manner, swirling and growing whilst also not giving much away in terms of the tempo – this is smashed as the kicks come in heavy. While the previous efforts displayed a gentler side to proceedings, this cut is all about the bass and the fuzz, filling in the gaps between the ever-shifting rhythmic structure as the dance is guided toward euphoria. ‘Form’ lands next, and this one builds upon the vibrations of the last number and runs off with it. This one creates this dark and dubby atmosphere, one where the dancers are contorted, the emotive elements stripped back which keeps the rhythm in charge, and we are all for it. To wrap things up, we have ‘Broken Wing’, which meanders back into the softly undulating territory of the first couple of numbers. Bakradze brings the arpeggio motif back into view, his soft touch applied also to the drums as they quietly grow into the mix, as the two layers intertwine beautifully and with a true sense of purpose. It’s a fitting end to a record that provides so much, an effort that pours over itself to continually find new methods of wowing, and you leave the experience feeling like you have listened to four EPs in one. This a truly remarkable statement from one of dance musics’ most enigmatic producers.
Gacha Bakradze has also looked for a greater meaning in his music, be it in terms of sonics, scope, or indeed how everything flows and meanders from one source to the next. This latest EP on Oath is no exception and stands tall as yet another piece of significance to flow from his fingertips. His ability to weave the listener into a world filled with such beauty and rhythm is remarkable, the music eager to envelop and allow you to explore to your heart’s content. It creates a bond that is strong from track and by the end, it is unbreakable. So go on, wrap yourself around this absolute stunner….
Release date: April 21st, 2023.