Impulse by Facets

Facets’ Impulse EP, out this October on Dischi Autunno, is made for the sweaty confines of the dancefloor’s fog-filled spaces—ones that flicker with strobes and neon lights, alight from the energy of the crowd. The New York City by way of Belgrade producer pillages the hypnotic beats of the 1980s Belgian new beat movement on his four track debut EP. With the additional flavors of Italo-disco and freestyle, all overtop the decidedly EBM bassline movements, the EP’s grooves are dangerously addictive as it twists and turns through moody atmospheres. Impulse was written during lockdown and, as Facets notes, was put together in haste: “It was produced somewhat fast,” he says, “and just had this impulse to finish and work on music at that time.”

“My Voice” finds strength in its repetition and trance-like rhythm; its clandestine and mesmerizing sample sets the attitude for the rest of the EP as it demands, “Relax… and accept it.” The track “New Dawn” feels like an extension of the new beat artist, Shakti, with its Middle Eastern-influenced synths that bellow over its chugging bassline. Acting as a peak hour track, “Impulse” demands attention with its synth stabs akin to the Rhythm Device banger, “Acid Rock”—here, Facets’ own interpretation is a powerful addition to the new beat genre. Finally, “Rush” manages to blend dance aesthetics together to create a sleek, polished result that could be compared to his fellow label mate, Curses. Impulse is an exciting first offering from Facets as an arsenal of reimagined underground club tracks that are fresh but, at the same time, remain familiar as a tribute to past dance movements.

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