Simple Symmetry turn in an epic, mournful EP that reflects on their journey in exile. After a long-standing affiliation with Multi Culti that includes remixes for Nicola Cruz and Drugface, as well as a huge edit for Culted, the Russian brothers weigh in with a heavy 12” that comes on the back of an emotional year where they defected from Moscow, their world turned upside down by politics of aggression. ‘Problem’ is built around a kernel of punk panic performed by Hugo Van Heijningen (of Red Light Radio, Cawd Slaydaz, Order Collective). The anxious rage embedded in that opener finds a kind of disoriented catharsis in ‘Where I Am’, an uptempo ravey anthem that recalls the rush of CJ Bolland’s ‘Electronic Superhighway’ with a sense of angst and energy all their own. It’s the song of the soul-searching raver, finding a sense of home in the ecstasy of the dance, amidst a backdrop of oppressive fear and uncertainty. The triptych concludes with the mournful ‘Funeral Of Past Affections’, their own strange brand of horn sounding a vast and potent letting go. At once influenced by and homage to Andrew Weatherall, this one hits hard, emotionally. Imagine tears on the dancefloor, the strings reminding us that dance music can indeed be anchored in the very deepest centre of our soul. Supporting them on this trip are long-time compatriots Red Axes, a natural fit for the indie-punk elements in ‘Problem.’
