Willaris. K’s debut EP is a monstrous, techno-driven experiment

If you’re a sucker for the organic yet stark synthetic grooves from the likes Jon Hopkins and Shlohmo, theres a high chance you’re familiar with Willaris K, the mastermind behind some Australia’s most polarising dance music in the current club landscape. After playing a handful shows around the country, the 24 year old has returned this time with ‘Alchemy’, a monster 7 track EP containing some his darkest tracks to date.

Thrown straight into the deep end, the EP begins with the epic intro track ‘Catch Phrase’ which appropriately samples the dialogue Plan B from the 2009 British blockbuster epic Harry Brown before unleashing a flood skittering garage-esque drum grooves and roaring analogue bass. The grittiness the intro track effortlessly transitions into ‘Risen’ which is undoubtedly one the key highlights on the EP. The 7 and a half minute monster a track begins with an ensemble distorted lead synths and a bellowing bassline, before juxtaposing this sinister onslaught with an orchestration beautiful arpeggios underlined by a bed divine piano chords, the track then boasts a wall analogue synths that launch the track into full overdrive before reaching a raging crescendo.

‘River Song’ shows us the producer’s delicate side, with a drumless orchestral piece that consists shimmering pianos and lush strings. This brings us to our fourth track ‘Perpetual Love’, which soundly demonstrates the producers ability to contrast light and dark, with a driving baseline topped by a chirping melody, a motif that carries the EP to it’s title track ‘Alchemy’. This seething slow burner begins with a wall analogue synth before transitioning into a brooding yet catchy groove. Lastly we have ‘Dour Nights’, a seemingly calm finale, however we are soon thrusted into chaos, with a drum groove reminiscent late 2000’s electro and a devastating bassline that grinds throughout the track.

‘Alchemy EP’ is out now Soothsayer.  Check it out below as well as his tour dates.

Sat 29 Sept – Jack Rabbit Slim’s, Perth ()
Thu 4 Oct – Corner Hotel, Melbourne ()
Fri 5 Oct
 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne ((SOLD OUT)
Sat 6 Oct – Metro Theatre, Sydney ()
Fri 12 Oct – Fat Controller, Adelaide ()
Sat 13 Oct – The Triffid, Brisbane ()