Architectonics

Published: Monday, April 13, 2026 at 4:01 am

Hoavi's "Architectonics" Explores Fusion of Gamelan and Electronic Music

Russian producer Kirill Vasin, known as Hoavi, has released his latest album, "Architectonics," a deep dive into the fusion of gamelan music and electronic soundscapes. The album builds upon Hoavi's established style, which is characterized by grainy textures and murky grooves, often leaning towards ambient and club-oriented sounds.

"Architectonics" marks a significant evolution in Hoavi's work. He incorporates the bronze gong and chime sounds of gamelan, layering them with dense, dubby rhythms. The album's sound is created using field recordings captured with a phone and contact mics, resulting in beats that seem to shift and evolve constantly.

The album's tracks explore the interplay between the tranquil Javanese gamelan and the more energetic Balinese variant. Some tracks directly emulate gamelan music, while others showcase Hoavi's unique approach to the genre. He manipulates the space around his samples, creating distinctive rhythms that evoke a sense of unpredictability. The album's immersive quality is most evident when Hoavi ventures into his own sonic universe, allowing his tracks to move in unexpected directions.

"Architectonics" is a testament to Hoavi's ability to reframe the qualities of traditional music. The album creates a dark, mirage-like dimension, offering a uniquely entrancing listening experience.

BNN's Perspective:

The blending of traditional musical forms with electronic music is a trend that continues to fascinate. While the incorporation of gamelan into electronic music is not new, Hoavi's approach on "Architectonics" is particularly compelling. The album's success lies in its ability to both pay homage to the source material and forge a new, distinct sound. It's a testament to the power of creative fusion.

Keywords: Hoavi, Architectonics, gamelan, electronic music, ambient, dub, Kirill Vasin, music review, new album, Indonesian music, Balinese gamelan, Javanese gamelan, field recordings, experimental music

Full Story