An electric debut from the new Nottingham-based producer on the block
Nottingham-based producer FIN released his debut EP, My, earlier this year, offering a deeply experimental exploration into his unique sound. Through five flowing tracks, FIN takes listeners on a sonic journey that reflects both his mind and his life, showcasing his creativity and artistic vision. At just 14 minutes long, the EP presents a concise yet dynamic look into his evolving style, leaving us with a strong sense of curiosity about what’s next from the artist.
The EP opens with spirit, a track that immediately pulls the listener into a trance-like state. The song weaves through synths and drums in a wave-like motion, with a slow, sweet, and melodic tone. For its four-minute duration, it doesn’t follow a traditional structure, instead meandering in and out of the listener’s consciousness. The piece evokes a dreamlike quality, where time feels fluid and unrestricted. Recently, local Nottingham producer Zoutr released a remix of spirit, which adds an upbeat, percussion-heavy layer, offering a fresh take on the track. Personally, this remix has become my favorite version, adding a new dimension to the song and amplifying its energy.
Next, we move into glitches, a track that begins with a swinging drum progression that carries through the track, creating a smooth, flowing rhythm. The initial section features wavy, elusive synths. At the one-minute mark, the track lives up to its name as it begins to glitch, with a subtle shift into a more techno-inspired sound. The glitchy elements combine perfectly with the lo-fi qualities of the song, creating a seamless fusion of styles that makes the track stand out from others in the EP.
brio, the third track, picks up where glitches leaves off, with its snappy percussion and winding techno synths. What makes this track unique is its introduction of a jazz-inspired swing rhythm midway through, which builds upon the existing layers of the song. The combination of fast-paced beats, intricate synths, and the unexpected jazz influence results in a bold, distinctive sound that feels fresh and daring. brio stands apart from the rest of the EP due to its willingness to experiment, blending genres in a way that feels innovative, while maintaining the track’s cohesion.
The penultimate track, senses, is the only one to feature vocals, with Faith Symes, lead singer of Pretty Vacant, lending her voice to the song. From its somnolent intro to its soaring high notes, Symes’ vocals inject a burst of energy into the melancholic, slow-moving beat. The shift in dynamic and her gentle entrance gives way to more intense, emotion-driven vocalizations and adds a powerful contrast to the music. This track highlights FIN’s ability to work with vocals as skillfully as he does with the rest of his own production, creating a rich texture that complements the electronic atmosphere. The way her voice rises with the track’s melody gives senses an almost cinematic feel, marking it as a key moment in the EP.
To close the EP, FIN presents mind, a brief but moving track that brings the project to a peaceful end. Drawing clear inspiration from Aphex Twin, the song is loose and meandering, with an idyllic, reflective atmosphere that invites listeners to lose themselves in its hypnotic rhythm. At just two minutes, mind is the shortest track on the EP, but it leaves a lingering sense of peace. Its simplicity and fluidity provide a calm, thoughtful conclusion, leaving listeners with a sweet aftertaste that encourages a deeper reflection on the journey they’ve just experienced.
The EP, My, concludes its 14-minute runtime, but it undoubtedly leaves the door open for what comes next from FIN as he continues to create under the Nottingham-based electronic label Tied In Knots. With the recent remix of spirit adding a fresh twist to his work, I highly recommend giving the EP a listen, and I’m eager to see what future projects FIN will bring to the table.