Berlin

Released in 2013, the Berlin EP served as the definitive introduction to the RY X moniker for Australian artist Ry Cuming. Following a more traditional pop-folk start to his career, this release marked a radical pivot toward minimalism and atmospheric intimacy. The title track became a viral sensation, largely due to its use in a high-profile Sony BRAVIA commercial, which helped establish the 'RY X sound': a high, fragile falsetto paired with sparse acoustic arrangements and subtle electronic undercurrents. Recorded with an emphasis on the physical space of the room, the EP eschews the lush production of contemporary indie folk for a bone-dry, close-mic aesthetic. Critics noted its similarities to the hushed intensity of Bon Iver's debut, yet praised Cuming's unique ability to blend singer-songwriter traditions with the pacing and sub-bass sensibilities of ambient techno. It remains a cornerstone of the 'alt-folk' movement of the early 2010s.