KI.MI. — Phantom

Ki.Mi. – Phantom The new 12-inch from Kashatskikh, catalogue KR019, arrives as an exclusive vinyl-only statement that delves into the shadowy side of tech house. Titled “Phantom”, the release is framed by a narrative of an unseen pulse that gradually materialises, a concept that informs the four tracks and offers a subtle yet compelling journey for the dancefloor. Although the label’s broader output is not detailed here, this record stands on its own as a focused exploration of texture and rhythm, anchored by Kashatskikh Studio’s mastering and a visual identity crafted by Kirill Kashatskikh. Side A opens with “Valley”, a track that introduces the faint pulse described in the press notes, allowing the space to fill with distant textures that coalesce into a defined groove. The follow-up, “Valley (Vlad Caia Floating Remix)”, takes the same skeletal framework and drifts it into a more spacious, floating ambience, extending the sense of movement without a clear source and giving DJs a versatile tool for building tension in the early part of a set. Side B begins with the title track “Phantom”. Here the invisible presence gains weight, the rhythm becomes more pronounced, and the track delivers a hypnotic loop that feels both elusive and grounded—ideal for late-night moments when the crowd is ready for a deeper, more introspective vibe. The record closes with “Lost Dub”, a dub-inflected piece that continues the theme of a vanished element re-emerging, offering a resonant low-end and spacious echo that can serve as a bridge between peak energy and a winding down of the set. Within the current landscape of underground tech house, “Phantom” offers a nuanced palette: the initial subtlety of “Valley” provides a clean entry point, the remix expands the sonic room, the title track supplies a focused, weighty centre, and the closing dub adds a reflective outro. This progression makes the record valuable for DJs seeking a cohesive yet varied set of tools that can be layered, mixed, and re-interpreted across different moments of a night. From a collector’s perspective, the exclusive vinyl format reinforces the tactile experience of the music. The mastering by Kashatskikh Studio ensures a warm, detailed sound that rewards careful needle work, while the design by Kirill Kashatskikh adds a visual cue to the record’s atmospheric intent. Ki.Mi. – Phantom, Kashatskikh, KR019, exclusive 12-inch vinyl, 4 tracks. Tracklist: A1. Ki.Mi. – Valley A2. Ki.Mi. – Valley (Vlad Caia Floating Remix) B1. Ki.Mi. – Phantom B2. Ki.Mi. – Lost Dub