Hektor greets the world with his first substantial release, a four-track EP of leftfield electronica. The classically trained artist has been fine tuning his own brand of cinematic, emotive electronica. The result is 'Rituals', a highly textural, romantic record, where field recordings, analogue synths, drum machines and samples are thrown together to dramatic effect. Expect detailed sound design, organic textures, warm pads and off-kilter rhythms. Rituals begins with the dark and brooding opener, 'Monday', where cinematic textural harmonies give way to a hypnotic arp and shuffling groove. On 'Frank', we are met by a range of poly-synths that ebb and flow throughout the piece, a shifting harmonic tapestry that is grounded by the repetition of the main drum groove. 'Interlude' is a minimalist exercise that breathes and moves, as Hektor manipulates a repeated monophonic synth line to create tension and build emotional effect. The finale, 'Joy Ride', is the hardest hitting track of the EP, a hypnotic 7-minute exploration that sits somewhere in the realms of shoegaze, techno and euphoria.