EP Review: Nullius

Hailing from Auckland, duo Vapour & Shape burst onto the electronica scene with Nullius, a refreshing slice of 4/4 that fuses neon-drenched nightclub production with a melodic, nostalgic element making it suitable for both dancefloor and headphones.

Opener Catchpool pulses with reverbed melody flickering around a dubbed-out bass reminiscent of classic NZ acts such as Pitch Black or Salmonella Dub. Shimmering bells are prominent over a stepping house beat on ‘Gram’, a muffled vocal snippet echoing out into the void, the melody shifting from uplifting to mysterious as layers of arpeggiated synth emerge from the ether.

Title track and EP-standout Nullius is a moodier affair, with a slower tempo and cheeky bass punctuating hazy, delay-soaked keys with a smoky riddim vibe. This is one for skanking out to while contemplating the nature of existence.

Meltdown brings a funky house/hardcore vibe with stretched strings and rave melodies over crisp percussion, while closer Silica Rapids is another introspective stepper with a gorgeous, melancholic chord progression bringing the listener’s journey to an end.

While this debut release doesn’t cover new terrain in terms of established genre, it’s clear the duo are adept conjurers of mood, and excellent technicians. Watch for them to push the boundaries and the feels on future work.