It is an introspective EP that represents the artist’s reflections on re-imagining himself in a new place. Bringing together raw, rhythmically complex beats with refined textures, GAME-O explores themes of identity, loneliness, and the city’s impact on personal transformation. Gurin-Babayeu masterfully blends techno, IDM, and footwork influences, crafting a sound that feels fresh yet rooted in the gritty legacy of urban electronic music. It is an intricate exploration through creative reflection at the intersections of digital culture and creative experimentation. Known for his immersive sound design and complex rhythmic structures, Ilya's work on GAME-O draws listeners into deeply personal landscapes that merge the grit of his perception of a new place.
The EP title GAME-O — short for both ‘game-oriented’ and ‘game over’ — captures Ilya’s unique approach to blending intuition with the idea of creative practice as a game. Rooted in self-reflection and game-centric framework, his work challenges listeners to engage with contrasting elements of sound collage, trip-hop, jungle, and footwork. It bridges his teenage years spent in Minsk and the immersive influence of two years in London.
A signature feature of this release is the artist’s playful and inventive approach to beat-making. Ilya uses groovy rhythmic structures of footwork, mixing them with more assertive drum patterns from techno and electro, keeping listeners constantly on edge, anticipating the next twist. Another key element is its mood and distinct sonic aesthetic, which flows from track to track, transcending genre boundaries. It’s built upon the creative implementation of field recording combined with grainy vocal sketches and voice messages from the artist. GAME-O perfectly conveys Ilya’s inner state — a sense of abstract nostalgia paired with a bold, forward-looking attitude with a smirk.
