Hidden Element return to Translation with the ‘Other Forms’ EP, continuing their exploration of sounds across the ever-expanding universe of bass music with a collection tracks that demonstrate their versatility as musicians, unconstrained by tempo or genre. 

On ‘Faster But Slower’ rising pads set the stage for an evocative, lovelorn affair with gently plucked guitars, lush synth leads, and glitchy 808 drum edits. Next, Hidden Element set speed to 140 BPM and journey to the deep field of space on ‘Don’t Follow Them,’ whose surging mid-bass cuts across sparse, electro-acoustic soundscapes and pumping sub frequencies. ‘Understanding,’ a collaboration with fellow Ukrainian artist Physical Illusion (Fokuz Recordings), maintains the deep, celestial vibe, as industrial-sounding drums ‘click’ and ‘whir’ in juxtaposition with subtle synth textures, conjuring images of a research satellite surveying the great abyss of space. The aptly-titled ‘Heartbreak Tune’ brings things back to a more terrestrial 160 BPM two-step shuffle and groove, interweaving guitar riffs, twinkling keys, and orchestral strings. Last but not least, Dexta (Different Music) twists things up with a modern jungle edit of ‘Hot Pants’ from the ‘Lifeforms’ EP (2013), where cascading Amen breaks and punching subs thud and rumble, delivering pure bass-weight. 

From cinematic deep space soundscapes to rolling dancefloor mayhem, Hidden Element’s ‘Other Forms’ EP is something to be enjoyed in all listening environments. The Ukranian duo deftly incorporate traditional instruments like guitar and piano into their compositions, but freely experiment with the union of organic and electronic sounds for an evocative and immersive release from start to finish.

Faster, But Slower

Hidden Element is electronic act from Kyiv, Ukraine. By blending elements of breakbeat, techno and ambient, producer Igor Kirilenko creates forward-thinking music with shifty rhythms, cinematic samples and deep textures. Inspired by classic sci-fi movies, it’s a perfect soundtrack both for crowded ecstatic club nights and solitary mind-wandering.

Igor began releasing tracks as Hidden Element in 2011, firstly as a duo with Nil Tarasov, and now as a solo project. Over the years he released music on various labels including Med School, Pinecone Moonshine, Alphacut, Silent Season, YUKU. 

Project’s track “I See The Light” (feat. Kiyomi Yamashita) was noted by DJ Mag as “Track of the Month”. Track “Reload, Replay” was played by Steve Lamacq on BBC1Xtra. Debut LP “Together” released on Absys Records in 2016 received a number of positive reviews and warm feedback from El Hornet (Pendulum), Ulrich Schnauss and other producers. 

Hidden Element also created official remixes for a variety of artists, from British drum’n’bass legend London Elektricity to Ukrainian pop-singer and Eurovision winner Jamala.

In 2020–2021 Hidden Element manifested a new ambitious chapter with EP trilogy “Comparisons” / “Kontinuum” / “Cycles”. Packed with intense contemporary breakbeat and seasoned with high class remixes from Throwing Snow, Andre Bratten, Prayer, Cocktail Party Effect, these EPs earned praise from Mixmag Japan, Mixmag UK, Mixmag Brazil, BARKS, Qetic, Inverted Audio etc. A bunch of tracks from the trilogy was also aired on BBC Radio 1 in numerous guest mixes.

all enquiries: hiddenelementua@gmail.com