A Closer Listen
In 2024, Andrey Kiritchenko‘s Maria appeared on our lists of the Best Ukrainian Music, Best Album Covers and Best Music Videos (for “Tiger Laughs”). Rust Trust already has a fantastic cover (thanks to POLAAR’s Flore) and an engaging sound; could it be headed for similar success?
The first question to ask is probably, “How fast do you like your music?” If you like slow jams, this is not for you. The four tracks on this EP speed by at 160 B.P.M., a significant increase in velocity from Ultra Marshes on Flaming Pines, but in line with Kiritchenko’s other recent release, Black Heat/More Vows Untold (PM+). The artist has been recording for three decades, and has developed a diverse array of tempos and sounds. We recommend dancing to every other beat.
The difference in Rust Trust is that there is as much breakbeat as techno. “Creed” launches with both, a stuttered voice coming along for the ride, soon joined by a second. Synthesizer stabs recall the dance music of the early aughts. The percussive breakdown is fast and intricate. “Manifest”s synthetic baseline sounds like Giorgio Moroder on speed; one can imagine it as a speedway score. But then at 2:12, the breakbeats reenter with a vengeance, taking the piece to the next level; and we weren’t even aware there was a next level! Perhaps we should dance to every fourth beat.
For a (very) brief time, first single “Null Point” seems slower, but only because some beats have been ostracized; they eventually find their way back in. The passing synth notes seem like cars streaking by the window, nearly too fast to be seen. This leaves only “Liquid Teeth,” a punkish piece packed with attitude. Distorted syllables form a disjointed melody, in love with music and movement; then another shift, at almost the exact same time (2:16), in which the tone grows raw and immediate. Large crashes enter at 3:02 (think of Shannon’s “Give Me Tonight,”), and the EP races to a rocking conclusion.
After so much time, it would be improper to state that Kiritchenko keeps developing as an artist. Instead, he has more to choose from, a greater ability to morph and adapt, like a DJ who brings a thousand records to a rave instead of a hundred. The EP may be short, but those who attempt to dance straight through will be worn out by the end: a blissful enervation. (Richard Allen)
Fri Jun 13 00:01:10 GMT 2025