Locked Club - Egipet
When it comes to Locked Club, unchained carnage and euphoria will follow. The duo has become synonymous with their masked appearance while making waves since they first hit the world stage with their Forever Punk EP, released in 2017 on the Private Persons record label. Quickly rising to prominence from the Russian underground techno scene, the pair have made a name for themselves, sticking to that “forever punk” mentality. Aggression, speed and distorted sounds underpin their discography. Jumping forward to 2021, Locked Club returned to Private Persons to lay down a five-track release Egipet (2021), again encompassing all that aggression, speed, and the same distorted sound they're known for.
Locked Club's influences are vast, ranging from gabba to hardstyle, breakbeat to techno, and all of those appear on this record. The pair start strong with 'Go People', a powerful introduction to the EP. Delayed kicks and crushing distortion pack a mighty punch and are a motif that continues throughout. Brutal compression squash is the off-beats of ‘Go People’ as ringing high hats breathe in the spaces. Chopped and screwed synthesisers glitch throughout the track while hostile shouts are looped, adding rhythm and nailing on that punk aesthetic. 'Edu V Egipet' pushes the influence forward in years, electing a more EBM lean with harsh ear-splitting claps that cut through larger-than-life kicks. Locked Club exercise a more elastic sound with a springy rhythmic lead about ping pong over the harsh industrial noise and metallic bassline. There's more humour in 'Edu V Egipet', as the duo demonstrate they don't intend to be too serious even with the obligatory "oi punk" screams batter through the mix, taking centre stage.
Locked Club push the boundaries and established a high aptitude for genre-bending in the second half of the EP, as the track 'Devchonka' shows. Sitting more within the realms of electro, 'Devchonka' catapults into a two-step heater complete with ripping saw bass reminiscent of rave-style Hoovers. Cataclysmic distortion is the goal, and it's fair to say they've achieved that. With spoken word mixed under the surface, we have a head-down stomper perfect for any warehouse. Rounding out the EP is 'After Cake'. A departure from the previous three cuts on the record, as it has a much more playful, upbeat temperament reminiscent of Italo with relatively clean kicks and a chugging bassline wrapped up in that trademarked intensity. Vocal samples give the finale sing-ability even if you're unfamiliar with the language. The Italo aspects of 'After Cake' sustain a reliable and enjoyable bop while sliding atmospheres conspire in the background. The record's intensity comes as a welcome refresher from the monotony of modern life, a chance to let loose and let your hair down.
Tracklist:
Go People
Edu V Egipet
Devchonka
After Cake
Label: Private Persons (2012)
Locked Club - Egipet
