Fractions Deconstruct Their Postclub Sound
Introduction to Fractions
Fractions is a Prague-based electronic music duo comprised of the talented producers Nikki Korobeynik and Artem Frolov. Emerging from the geographic isolation of the former Soviet Union, their musical journey has been anything but conventional. With their unique sound blending high BPM club engineering with mid-2000s emo architecture, the duo is gearing up for the release of their vocal-driven single “Love Like Ice” in July 2026, alongside a broader EP campaign.
- Fractions Deconstruct Their Postclub Sound
Key Highlights in Their Journey
- Formation and Roots: The duo operates under their independent imprint, NRG TRAX, and first made waves with their debut Control EP via Fleisch in 2018.
- Early Breakthroughs: Fractions made their Klubnacht debut at Berlin’s legendary Berghain in 2019, performing just their third gig—an impressive milestone that showcased their rapid ascent in the electronic music scene.
- Signature Sound: Their upcoming single “Love Like Ice” fuses mid-2000s synth-punk mechanics with the relentless energy of Techno, exemplifying their Postclub sound.
Isolation and Inspiration
Growing up in remote areas where club culture was virtually non-existent, Korobeynik and Frolov’s exposure to electronic music was limited to physical media and late-night radio shows.
“To us, artists like Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, and The Chemical Brothers were underground. Looking back, it’s funny because we didn’t even know there was this whole global club culture happening at the same time.”
Initially focused on a cyberpunk-influenced vocal project, their sound evolved into aggressive instrumental tracks inspired by the modern Electronic Body Music (EBM) wave propelled by names such as Schwefelgelb and Forces. This shift led to the creation of their solo alias, Fractions.
Relocation to Prague
Relocating to Prague profoundly reshaped their musical landscape. Here, Korobeynik and Frolov were introduced to a hardware-driven underground network, attending parties thrown by Polygon and Harmony that completely rewired their creative approach to tempo and rhythm.
“The BPM went up, the basslines got heavier, the rave stabs became more aggressive. You can hear that across our entire catalogue. We really anchored ourselves in that sound and never looked back.”
Their residency at ONYX inside Ankali provided a vital testing ground, where they could refine their understanding of venue dynamics and crowd psychology through extended sets.
Establishing the Postclub Framework
Fractions’ debut Control EP marked their entry into the established Berlin EBM circuit, bridging their isolated roots with more mainstream acknowledgment. This release fast-tracked their growth within the electronic music community.
Performing for the first time at Berghain during a Klubnacht solidified their commitment to high-energy live performances.
“To be honest, once you are actually there performing, you do not think about the fact that it is Berghain. You are just doing your job and focusing on the crowd. The realization comes afterwards.”
Building an Independent Future
Despite early successes, industry bottlenecks motivated Fractions to seek autonomy. This led to the founding of their independent label, NRG TRAX, allowing them to sidestep external scheduling conflicts and manage their release pipeline.
Their studio operations follow a meticulous methodology where one producer lays the groundwork while the other focuses on sound design. Korobeynik manages the granular aspects using Ableton, while Frolov concentrates on integrating vocal tracks, blending their distinct skills.
Architectural Sound and Songwriting
The duo identifies their present production style as Postclub, incorporating influences from 2000s nu rave, synth punk, and electroclash. This evolution reflects a calculated expansion of their sonic palette, moving from purely instrumental pieces to a focus on memorable songwriting and vocal inclusions.
“We still love techno and it will always be in our DNA, but we wanted to bring back songwriting, vocals, and memorable hooks without sacrificing the energy of club music. To us, those worlds do not have to be separate.”
Their single “Light” on Misguided exemplifies this emotive transition, integrating raw and imperfect mixing techniques reminiscent of early acts like Underworld and Crystal Castles.
Behind “Love Like Ice”
The forthcoming release “Love Like Ice” draws heavily from mid-2000s emo culture, balancing overdriven guitar textures with a rigid four-to-the-floor kick. The process required keen attention to detail to ensure each element complements rather than clashes.
“The biggest challenge was making sure nothing stepped on each other. You have got distorted synths, guitars, huge drums, and vocals all fighting for the same space. It became a balancing act of deciding what should be in front at any given moment.”
The song “Boy,” featuring vocalist Ushko, highlights their iterative process; its structure underwent dramatic changes after removing legacy sample data, emphasizing the duo’s commitment to originality.
Live Performance Dynamics
When translating their complex studio arrangements to live settings, Fractions deploy strategic narrative sequencing. Their setlists are crafted as continuous stories designed to maintain crowd engagement through peaks and valleys of intensity.
The objective is unified movement on the dance floor, ensuring fans of punk and traditional rave can share the same experience. The forthcoming Postclub EP is set to serve as a technical guide for the evolving sound of Fractions.
Exploring Their Universe: FAQs
Who formed the electronic duo Fractions?
The duo was formed by Russian producers Nikki Korobeynik and Artem Frolov, who moved to Prague to enhance their music career.
What is the Postclub subgenre?
Postclub is a term coined by Fractions to describe their blend of techno, nu rave, electroclash, and synth punk, focusing on emotive vocals layered over energetic club beats.
What record labels have Fractions released music on?
Fractions have released music through labels such as Monnom Black, Possession, and Fleisch, along with their independent label, NRG TRAX.
What influences the modern sound of Fractions?
The duo draws inspiration from early 2000s acts like Crystal Castles and Underworld, along with a nod to 90s rave and contemporary EBM.
What is the focus of the Fractions single “Love Like Ice”?
“Love Like Ice” pays homage to mid-2000s emo culture while reinterpreting its emotive vocal stylings into dynamic club formats.
Where did Fractions execute their 2019 Klubnacht debut?
Fractions made their debut performance at Berghain in Berlin during the 2019 Klubnacht event, marking a significant milestone in their career.
The story of Fractions reflects an innovative melding of genres and influences, resulting in music that resonates with both nostalgia and contemporary club culture. Their unique journey continues to promise exciting new developments in the electronic music landscape as they unravel their Postclub sound.
