Hailing from a remote town in Siberia, childhood friends Heartskin & Surmillo have made a name for themselves, separately storming the world stage with releases on some of the most respected brands in the circuit, including Diynamic, BAU_HAUS, and ICONYC. Now, they come together for a luxurious three-track EP in ‘Louder,’ blending intricate production techniques with a smoldering sensibility for a memorable moment.
Setting a breezy mood on opener ‘Louder’, Heartskin & Surmillo present us with a rich percussive tapestry that builds over shifting sands and swelling chords as Roman Gurev’s sensual and polished vocals come into frame, immediately elevating the vibes, while a restrained bassline works its covert magic. Through A-level vocal hooks, radio-ready craftsmanship, and meandering arpeggios, the production trio manages to shine under the gleaming stars next to the sea for a most arousing introduction to the EP.
The second offering, ‘Paradigm’, unfurls over sustained chords raveled in an exquisite hint of nostalgia as steady drums set a chromed frame. Here, Gurov’s vocals seem to long for something more as his softer tone dances in tandem with bubbling synths and melancholic strings that sway in slow motion, creating a captivating contrast. Past the halfway mark, layered vocals come in waves, adding an irresistible flair to the piece and showcasing a new side to the EP.
Wrapping up the EP, the producers present us with the sultry ‘Recover.’ Unrushed, the track is built over clear-cut drum programming and a buoyant bassline as a lovely synthetic melodic sequence draws us in before lush vocals settle in. Delicate and vulnerable, ‘Recover’ uncovers a more fragile aspect of this collaborative effort, one that rounds off the sound of ‘Louder’ as a record, embuing the release with a space to come down and let this emotional voyage sink in.
Colorful and brimming with life, Heartskin & Surmillo’s ‘Louder’ is a luscious three-tracker that cuts deeper than what meets the eye, showcasing true sensitivity from the Siberian duo.
Heartskin & Surmillo’s ‘Louder’ EP is out now. Listen & get your copy here.
