Offie Mag

Purity, their collaborative project, is due for release on 12th September via 10k. If the two singles, ‘Speedrun’ and ‘Automatic’, are the benchmark, then we’re in for a real treat.

I last saw Anysia Kym at Bermondsey’s Ormside Projects. It was her birthday and she was wearing a vintage Aston Villa shirt. Not relevant at all, but I feel it’s important to say. I haven’t yet been lucky enough to see Mr Seltzer, though his production for the likes of MIKE, WiFiGawd and Wiki has been making my head knock for years. With Pinball 1 and 2 both triumphant successes in Offie HQ, of course we’re excited for Purity, seeing him and 10k combine forces once more.

‘Speedrun’ comes first, building from harmonically ambiguous synth chords into a chopped-up break before a rumbling yet minimal bassline drops in. The track peaks as rolling hats cut through, but they only serve to highlight Kym’s vocals, sanded and grained down with FX, then coloured with harmonies. At just 76 seconds, it really is a speed run of audio delight.

‘Automatic’ is a touch longer... By seven seconds. Anysia’s vocals take on a more ethereal tone, while Tony’s production leans glitchier. I’m not sure what kind of MPC, SP or Maschine this was built on, but the percussion recalls lo-fi footwork. The 808 smacks deep in the chest, and the sample is chopped so rough it feels like it shouldn’t work. But of course, it does. Anysia’s airy delivery drifts over the rugged instrumental, a contrast that pulls everything together.

We can’t be sure what direction Purity will take, but one thing’s certain: it’ll be worth the listen.

Listen to ‘Speedrun’ and ‘Automatic’ here.

Words by Louis Rowland