VACUUM

Released in 2014, Vacuum is a pivotal early EP from the Russian duo IC3PEAK, predating their shift toward aggressive trap and political commentary. At this stage, Nastya Kreslina and Nick Kostylev were deeply embedded in the 'witch house' and 'darkwave' scenes, characterized by slowed-down tempos, heavy reverb, and occult-inspired imagery. The EP features five original tracks and two remixes, showcasing a sound that is more ambient and melodic than their later discography. The production is marked by 'analog warmth' filtered through digital glitching, creating a 'vacuum' effect where the music feels isolated from the outside world. This release helped establish their reputation in the international underground electronic scene, particularly through the Summer of Haze remix which bridged the gap between the Russian and global witch house communities. It remains a fan favorite for its pure focus on atmosphere and vocal experimentation.