After a six year absence they are back in fine form with blistering EP ‘Pahakas’ which was recorded live in Tallinn and edited long-distance in 2021, and is the first release on their own label Surve. This new six-tracker is an essential tour-de-force of heavyweight ‘odes to the UK hardcore continuum’. In typical Dima Disk style the project is shaped by bass, breaks, metallic percussion and the kind of background synth washes found on early dubstep, UKG and Metalheadz records. With a clear penchant for the colder, more alien variety of 5am warehouse rollers than those on a soulful tip, Rahuoja and Nikolajev waste no time setting the tone for their first EP since 2017. Showing an evolution in both production and palette, ‘Pahakas’ retains the concern for chest-rattling sound system pressure but advances on the slightly lo-fi sound design of the pair’s last outing.
INTERVIEW
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Where in the world are you both right now? Hey.
We’re pretty spread out – one of us is based in Estonia and the other in Canada.
You’re returning with ‘Pahakas’, your first EP in six years – how did that come about, and what was it like working together after so many years?
We’ve been talking about and planning this record for a long time. Over the years though, extended time in the studio together was hard to come by because we lived in different countries. So it’s not that we haven’t been collaborating but just struggled to create something we believed was worthy of a release. We both found ourselves in Tallinn during the autumn of 2021, giving us the opportunity to invest the necessary time and energy.
How would you describe the sound and direction of this EP compared to previous releases?
To be honest with you, we didn’t really have a specific sound or direction in mind for ‘Pahakas’ before we started working on it. The main thing for us was to create something that just resonated with us.
Can you tell us about the overall concept behind the record?
It sort of happened to work out that way. No big concept behind it really.
Are there any specific tracks that hold a special significance to you?
The title track, “Pahakas,” holds a special place in our hearts as it was a favorite for someone dear to us.
Can you tell us a little about how you produce your music, what equipment do you use, and how do you split the creative process between the two of you?
We mostly use hardware as it’s a bit more fun to jam together than to sit behind a screen. Most sessions that are recorded are just long jams and if something nice comes out we’ll do a bit of editing and arranging but that’s sort of it. Always rough around the edges!
How did you go about choosing the selections for your playlist?
It’s a combination of stuff we’re currently into, new and old.
‘Pahakas’ is coming on your new Surve imprint. Can you tell us a little bit about your plans for the label?
The label will most likely remain as a platform for music that we or friends affiliated with the label have made.
And lastly, what can we expect throughout the rest of 2023 from Dima Disk?
Hopefully we can manage to rehearse more this year so we could start playing live again!
Order Pahakas EP, available now.
