Bassvictim’s New ? EP Rules

In recent years the UK duo Bassvictim have been turning heads for their disconcerting behavior and their extremely likable throwbacks to the electronic pop of the "indie sleaze" era, however you want to define that. Normally, they make extremely catchy, hard-hitting dance-pop tracks that remind me of Crystal Castles, the Go! Team, CSS, the Knife, Grimes, Salem, and anyone ever described as "electroclash." On their new EP, they try something else.

The eight-song ? finds Bassvictim swerving in a softer, more organic direction. It's a ballad-heavy project on which the beats and bass are deprioritized (though not removed) in favor of acoustic strums, gorgeous clouds of harmony, and ample empty space. Maria Manow's tender, twee vocals get lots of chances to shine here, and Ike Clateman shows off his range as a producer. The vibe shift is kind of like if Animal Collective worked backwards from Merriweather to Sung Tongs, but the comparison is selling them short. This project is phenomenal; more than ever, Bassvictim are transcending their influences.

Stream ? in full below.

? is out now via VOTB.