Vladimir Gnatenko
Sacrim EP

Next up on the Kyiv-based label comes from a very promising, up-and-coming Ukrainian artist, Vladimir Gnatenko. Following his live set last year at the collective's arguably most-loved event, Natura Festival, his debut EP for Rhythm Buro entitled "Sacrim" is already being awaited with great anticipation.

Vladimir Gnatenko is one of the unsung heroes of the Ukrainian underground dance music scene today. He is known for his sonically diverse live sets that range from ambient sketches and 4/4 trancey techno to, most notably, an apt selection of breakbeats. The latter often includes both more downtempo style laid back grooves in the 100-bpm range as well as more massive breaks that serve the dancefloor with purpose. For a few years, Gnatenko has been a staple of the parties that Kyiv is notorious for, he is a resident of the world-renowned and prestigious local club, Closer, and has been featured in the line-ups of local festivals and raves like Strichka, Brave Factory and Cxema (where he played live for a collaboration with Boiler Room). Discography-wise he began releasing on local labels like Progressive Future, but not long after expanded his legacy with vinyl releases on Twig (Germany), Animals On Psychedelics (UK) and now our beloved Rhythm Buro.

The record is composed in the vein of Gnatenko's live sets. It is rich with beatless music, yet also serves those seeking Vladimir's signature breakbeats. Both sides of the record start with ambient tracks, "Lomerigheid" on the A side, and "Sterfdatum" on the B-side, that then progressively merge into melancholic and beautiful tunes representing the producer's main craft: trippy downtempo breaks. The EP's title track "Sacrim" is as fitting for home-listening as it is for those certain sacred euphoric moments on the dance floor. The B-side's "Jerrata" is a slow burning tribute to a nostalgic era of psychedelic, bass-heavy downtempo. The record is full of emotion, contemplation and originality that are executed in the fashion of an artist very in tune with their craft, it all makes for a very welcome addition to the already diverse set of releases from Rhythm Buro.