Russian artist by way of Saint Petersburg and currently based in Singapore, Alex Kichev aka Голос КАА, has recently released ‘Op-1’, a 3-track EP filled with lushly layered experimental hip-hop. ‘Op-1’, which marks Голос КАА’s third solo EP release, is an ode in a way to the synthesizer it receives its name from. Carefully created using only Teenage Engineering’s portable OP-1 synthesizer, which is little but mighty, and leads to pieces that hardly sound as minimalistic as a single synth. Featuring the mastering talents of Violet Lantern Mastering (Mos Def, Anderson .Paak, and Snoop Dogg among many others) ‘Op-1’ is a uniquely refreshing experience. Kichev, who was previously a member of the modern jazz group (now on hiatus) Fugu Quintet, is able to pack a punch within less than 9 minutes, with a strong sense of finite detail and timing.
First track ‘Сквозь Тернии К Страху’ is spooky and mysterious, as though you’re racing through a forest of thorns in a nightmare. For fans of JPEGMAFIA, Danny Brown, and clipping. Second track ‘Под Ноги Cмотри!’ meaning loosely, to watch your step, has a heavy southeast Asian and at times Middle Eastern influence, whereas last track ‘Оператор 1’ sounds the least experimental of the three but makes for a catchy melody and rap that will echo in your mind after the EP is finished.
‘Op-1’ is wholly distinctive and is a satisfying hip-hop and at times horrorcore release you should be sure to check out.
Sarah Medeiros