Buy / Stream: https://ffm.to/flashes

AIKON returns to Exploited with an EP of dark moods and sensual melody.

The title track is a dark slice of Italo disco / electro, with taut snares cutting through the droning bass and hypnotic synth arpeggiation. Building imperceptibly through subtle atmospheric touches, the track reaches a spine-tingling peak in the spacious breakdown, where synths soar and the acidic bass gets a moment in the spotlight. A voice breathes the word ‘acid’ as the beat kicks back into life, completing the tripped out feel of this moody chugger.

‘Galaxy’ is driven along by a hefty bassline throb, soon bolstered by monotone acid tones and infectious cowbell rhythm. Blasts of synths tease as we head towards the heavenly breakdown, where beautiful sampled guitar melody rubs up against floaty, ambient pad sounds. The contrast between the guitar and the moody bass sounds when the beat drops back in is magical, channeling some of that ‘90s dreamhouse energy as gated, shimmering chords add another sumptuous motif.

‘Heroes’ is a little more on the melodic techno tip but keeps the textures and themes of the EP running through it. Moving at a languid tempo, the track focuses around a simple, blissed-out, ecstasy-imbued hook and a chugging bass rhythm. The switch from a 4/4 thump to a breakbeat rhythm halfway through shifts the mood brilliantly, and throughout subtle changes eke out more beauty from this heads-down affair.

Early Feedback:
Rampa: Thanks. Will check. 
Sandrino:Thanks for the music.
Kendal: Love these 3 tracks. This is huge. Congrats AIKON!
Sobek: Really nice tunes. 
Tsugi Mag: Heroes for me.
Upercent: Nice.
Alinka: Very nice.
Kendal: Love these 3 tracks. This is huge. Congrats!
Made in TVL: Good job. Like it.
Tommie Sunshine: Love this whole EP.

Artist: AIKON
Release: Flashes
Label: Exploited Ghetto
Cat: EXP104
LC: 48629
Publisher: Exploited Ghetto Music Publishing
Releasedate Beatport & Streaming: 01.10.2021
Releasedate Global Download: 15.10.21

Buy / Stream

AIKON - Flashes I Exploited Ghetto

Flashes

Heroes

AIKON - Heroes I Exploited Ghetto

Galaxy

AIKON - Galaxy I Exploited Ghetto

Shir Khan started Exploited in 2007. Exploited Rec now plays host to some wide-ranging and innovative electronic talent - including Adana Twins, Claptone, Budakid, Joyce Muniz, James Curd, Shir Khan (to name a few) - and its artists have been receiving numerous supportive spins from the likes of Solomun, Pete Tong, Soul Clap, Wolf&Lamb, Azari&III, Jesse Rose, Axel Boman and A-Trak.
This is serious dance music at it's most cutting edge with all the juice to really get you going. It's totally contemporary, innovative and has a chunky dirty feel. "Exploited" take you on an invigorating roller coaster ride back to your youth when you first listened to dance music with all the thrills and spills you so enjoyed about clubbing. It's heavy, exciting and special.
'"Exploited Records" is a seamless melting pot of varied styles that simply can't fail to please even the most discerning ears. Highlights here are plentyful. Not to be missed at any cost.' (Clash)
'Musical hybrids are truly the flavour of today, but few have managed to capture the atmosphere of an unpredictable microcosm of a night out on a recordlabel - until now. Shir Khan's label "Exploited" bottles the zeitgeist's giddy thrills with plenty of style and substance. This is dance music hybridism in all its most glorious forms, and Shir Khan is an expert at making square pegs fit round holes.' (DJ-Mag)
'"Exploited Records" boss Shir Khan has been gaining a lot of acclaim recently, and deservedly so - as he has shown us the high quality, diversity and forward-thinking nature of his label. Engaging, riveting and diverse.' (Data Transmission)