GOOW’s sophomore release does well to prove him as a capable producer of immersive electronica, with the two cuts on ‘Luminescent’ being inviting pieces of music that blur the lines between electronica and trip-hop with their use of nature-inspired sounds and snappy electronic instrumentation.
A one-man band hailing from Odintsovo, Russia, GOOW is Egor Efimuk, a songwriter and producer who operates from his home studio, influenced by downtempo and trip-hop greats such as Bonobo and Tycho. GOOW’s second release is a two-part EP. ‘Luminescent’ is the title, and the short EP is composed of ‘Submerged’ and ’Sunrise and Monsters’. Both cuts are melodic and dynamic, the first piece is inspired by an underwater landscape, and the second one by a beautiful sunrise populated by monstrous figures, hence the names… and the music, as we will now discuss.
‘Submerged’ starts with an ethereal, filtered pad sound that feels as thick and as moving as waves in the depths of the sea. The slow tempo, throbbing synth melodies, and melancholic chords create a sense of desolation. The feeling is also amplified by the contrast between the piece’s stirring melodies, played on thin-sounding synths, and the litany of sampled and processed sound effects floating around it, seemingly haphazard and disruptive, creating a chaotic vibe that GOOW masterfully keeps firmly in control. The upright bass part is a sensational addition to the arrangement.
As I was beginning to describe ‘Sunrise and Monsters’, I was ready to name it -easily- the lesser of the two pieces on ‘Luminescent’, but with repeated listens it became clear to me that it also does a terrific job of creating an environment using its sonic choices, whether on the instrumentation fronts, or the production one. Starting with a snappy, acoustic melody part that puts to mind ‘Black Sands’ era Bonobo, the piece then progresses to incorporate some ‘monstrous’ synth leads that rip through the mix. With its faster beat and tighter snare, this cut feels endlessly more hasty, fitting for a monster chase.
‘Luminescent’ is a beautiful release that’s at once effortless, and gorgeously detailed. Intricate and inspired, the pieces on this little EP are enjoyable and beautiful for the ears, regardless of whether you get the sonic environment GOOW is trying to build. This an easy recommendation for lovers of sophisticated and nuanced electronica.