Vinyl set of Nocow's 'Vozduh' (FIGURE94_1) 'Voda' (FIGURE94_2) and 'Zemlya' (FIGURE94_3).

Invididual codes for download/streaming included.


Vozduh (air) arrives first in a trilogy of EPs by Alexei Nikitin for Figure, showcasing the emerging signature-style of electronica-tinged techno adopted under his guise as Nocow. Drawing inspiration from the sheer endless winters of his St. Petersburg home, the series builds on the tropes of classic IDM, imbuing his productions with a noticeably Russian and deeply personal sensitivity.

As each part of the trilogy is represented by an element, the tracks on Vozduh are vaporous by nature: from the crackling ambiance of opener Bouis to the weightless vocals on stoic Forgiven, as well as a surprisingly introspective take on ghetto-house or the wafting melodies closing out the record‘s B-side – all forms seem to be in constant shift, casting a dense yet permeable body of sound.

The second volume then sees Nikitin dipping deep into the Baltic sea, exploring the water element of Voda on five subaquatic compositions, riding waves of acid and bubbly thumps, diving through underwater caves of seductive electro and gnarly techno, before finally emerging on the sunken island of Iskatel, ears ringing with shredded harmonies of ancient beauty.

The final installment Zemlya un(earth)s the artist‘s maybe most drastic work to date. While initial Libbi sprouts gently into crystalline ambient arteries, the mood soon shifts to an invasive vibe on ceaselessly stabbing Synchronicity, until Nocow offers conciliation in form of a string-led soother and subsequently lets the record spiral out in lucid sparkles, finally coming full circle.


Vozduh (94_1)
A1 - Bouis
A2 - Forgiven
B1 - Better Be Clean
B2 - Hecton's Lights
B3 - Redlight Still

Voda (94_2)
A1 - Vdaleke
A2 - Placeholder
B1 - Hold U Tight
B2 - Pacetrace
B3 - Iskatel

Zemlya (94_3)
A1 - Libbi
A2 - Synchronicity
B1 - Rave Button
B2 - Troubles Will Be Miles Away