Many will have noticed that there has been a bit of an evolution in the work of Ukrainian producer VovKING in recent years. Not very surprising, since artists still involved in the Ukraine conflict would have a different perspective after almost two years of war. The newly formed Involver, however, was inspired to overhaul their brand and sound because of a dream.
The story behind my new alias is a little strange but interesting. One night I had a dream in which I was talking to my friend who died four years ago from cancer. He told me to start everything from scratch and “You are Involver,” right before I woke up. I spent two or three months thinking about this on and off and decided it was too cool. That friend from my dream had a big impact on my musical taste back then and music was the basis of our friendship, so even now we remain connected.
Of course, now I have a new vision about music and the industry, which I will apply to the new Involver project. Unfortunately, there are many restrictions now due to the war, so I cannot reveal this vision in full, but the time will come.
From these words it sounds as if this change was not just a reworking of the image, but a complete overhaul of the soul of the newly created Involver, and that fans should prepare for some pretty profound insights through their music. To begin this journey, his first single under this moniker, “The Feeling” featuring vocalist Aleva Mae, seems to be at the apex of both the changes in the artist's sound and his identity. A combination of 4×4 dance floor and neuro minimal through snares, the track is an ode to the dance floor itself, probably a long-lost concept in Involver's native Ukraine.
Involver and Aleva Mae really set out to capture that elusive feeling that all ravers are familiar with, when that perfect moment hits the dance floor where everything is tied together and deeply felt by everyone. They do this by telling the story of the rave in parts, with the introduction and the warm-up beat. The 4×4 oscillates seamlessly between a straight groove and a breakbeat, showing how close they really are, while snippets of the main melody work to foreshadow the song's crescendo. Similarly, Aleva Mae's lyrics seem to be searching for “some kind of feeling,” but as the entire song drops after the cut, the verse expands and she is no longer “searching” for the feeling, but rather holding it back. as the music crashes around the audience. This drop is visceral and goosebump-inducing, and anyone who has had a real rave experience will imagine that moment and “feeling” when “The Feeling” reaches its peak.
“The Feeling” was undoubtedly the right choice as a song to announce Involver's new participation in the scene. Heavy, heady and full of rave nostalgia, it's a call to all who listen to it to keep that feeling going for those who may not be able to experience it live during current times. It is also a harbinger of hope, because as we all know, “The Feeling” will always be there for us. Involver clearly made this song for himself, his friend and those who are in these struggles in Ukraine and beyond. It is a beautiful reminder and a beautiful new beginning.
“The Feeling” will be out on Rampage Records this Friday, March 22. Click here to reserve or reserve in advance.
thanks to our partners at www.youredm.com
