If Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira were a utopia instead of its opposite, this EP could be a possible sound track. Using the ingredients of classic house as a platform (pianos anyone?), Nick Nikolov's imagination as a producer for his new new NKLV project is far too vivid to stay on the beaten track. The sound design and nerdy attention of IDM and ambient connects with the brazen boogie approach of the French touch, micro-sampling manifestos have to stand up to the weirder moments of signature sounds like Basement Jaxx or KiNK's musical side. Not too far off from his peer's early approach, the Bulgarian's take is emotionally charged, play -- and powerful. For instance, "Speak to Me" and "No More" hit their respective topical nails on the head and the EPs title track "Inbetween" is sultry serotonin soul. If you are looking for plain and pure euphoria in between all the hardships, happiness is just around the bend.
