Local Support EP by Askel & Elere – Full Review & Analysis

Soulvent welcomes back Finland’s finest export, Askel and Elere, with their first EP release since 2020’s Glass. Known for their playful attitude and precision production, the duo follow up their 2021 debut album Simulations with Local Support EP. A four-track showcase that balances cheeky experimentation with rich musicality and emotional weight.

Opening cut Common Snipe rolls out like a nature documentary in the club. Built around field recordings and grainy commentary samples, it’s full of intelligent movement, tight percussion, warming pads, bursts of distortion, and a mischievous low-end that wriggles through the mix like the bird itself.

The Light Feels Low, featuring vocals from YENIAS, glides from mournful to euphoric in the space of four minutes. Subtle vocal chops, gliding basslines and clean-cut breaks underpin a track that grows in confidence and depth, delivering that classic Askel and Elere contrast of bittersweetness and bassweight.

On Space Dub, the duo are joined by long-time collaborators Jonny from Mitekiss and Jon from GLXY. It’s a tongue-in-cheek ode to negative space and dubby weirdness, with thick stabs of saturated bass and sly percussive nudges tucked between swathes of minimalism. Meta in concept but banging in delivery, this one is both a head-nodder and a smirk-inducer.

Closing things out, Step In is the most raucous cut of the lot. A chopped hip-hop vocal gives a shoutout to Helsinki, before the track crashes into a riot of distorted bass and low-slung keys. Spotters will catch samples from both the London Underground and Helsinki Metro systems, but even if you miss them, the vibe is loud and proud.

Fun, forward-thinking and rooted in their unique blend of humour and harmony, Local Support EP lands this Friday 13th June and reaffirms Askel and Elere’s spot at the top of Soulvent’s sonic roster.

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