Dance music’s most notorious impresario, Nikita, the Wicked, releases his six-track EP “Blinded By Vanity” through Helix Records. This is his second conceptual album, and this fresh project represents an exciting new chapter in the evolution of electronic music from one of its most inventive and daring composers of the dark and mysterious. Cinematic soundscapes, deep dives into orchestral samplings, and dark bass booms loom around every corridor in this monstrous new EP.
“BLINED BY VANITY is my second concept project. I like to do these EPs as different characters. Each project is basically an evolution of the ‘villain’ character. The conductor persona spawns from the heavy use of orchestral sampling. BBV is my reflection of the past year. With a massive year of growth, my perception of myself altered. This project is a painted world, beyond the shadows lies a new wicked tale.”
-NIKITA, THE WICKED
Let the Saga begin!
Opening with signature Nikita, The Wicked style DOOM creeps into the stereo set. Eerie cinema-style samples signal the start of this villainous journey. An elegant female voice warns us of doom and disrepair on the radio, as warped bass lines boom overhead, leaving the listener in paralysis. A string concerto, reminiscent of a Dracula or Frankenstein movie, textures the background, creating an extra layer of eerie ambiance. Black and white images flicker across the screen as the ominous undertones build the intensity of this looming new villain.
Switching gears with LOUDER, the intro completely captures the listener’s attention. It begins with a dreamy 1980s-style saxophone part, suggesting calm waters ahead, but suddenly flips with a thunderous bass boom and the hypnotic words ‘louder, louder, louder’ swirling around your head. The dreamy ’80s sax returns, weaving between powerful reverberating bass lines, with movie chopped samples spliced in and out, leading to a quick and abrupt ending.
You got me thinking real bad
Then, we experience the heartfelt collaborative piece “CONTROL” with Elohim. The vocals, reminiscent of a golden era Hollywood star, add a charming and whimsical touch to the song. The smoky, longing vocals of a lover take center stage, guiding us through this beautiful mid-point. Rolling bass lines echo into the distance, while choppy vocal snippets create a richly layered texture. Slightly more upbeat than the other tracks on the EP, I truly enjoy this emotional shift in “CONTROL.” It’s a lovely interlude that beautifully contrasts the dark and somber journey of the rest of the album.
Blasting through the speakers next is the gritty masterpiece of SUCKERS. Light on the vocals and heavy on the bass, this track creeps under your skin with instant ominous vibes. Big bass booms and ringing piano keys evoke a gritty street feel. I can’t quite put my finger on it—SUCKERS’ warped bass lines and attitude evoke UKG feel. All vibes and little vocals, this track is a standout for me. Next is the leading single of the EP LOOK featuring EMI GRACE. There’s no looking away at this one, with its orchestral chaos, rumbling bass, and EMI’s commanding vocal performance this one is a total banger.
Le Coup De Grâce
Lastly, but certainly not least, is SHAKE. Reverberating vocals of “making it shake, put me to work” combined with a villainous cackle build pressure on the closing track from the very start. The trap-style percussion makes me feel like I’m walking through corridors of a haunted castle in a 1950s cinema. The unique beat thumps and bangs, then suddenly a slight disco-esque interlude slips into the mix. A brief pause then ensues as you’re going to be lifted away before you’re plunged back into that heavy trap-style beat. The multi-layered soundscape of SHAKE commands your attention until the final closing of the new EP.