2814 (often stylized in full-width characters for aesthetic purposes) is a collaboration between David Russo (aka Hong Kong Express or HKE) and Luke Laurila (t e l e p a t h), two prolific artists associated with the vaporwave scene. Their work as 2814 moves away from the kitschy slowed-down samples, Muzak-like textures, and ironic pop culture appropriation normally associated with the genre, incorporating original instrumentation and coming much closer to the rain-soaked dystopia of Vangelis' Blade Runner score, as well as some of the more spiritual, emotionally intense ambient techno from the '90s. The duo made its debut in 2014 with a self-titled full-length released by netlabel Ailanthus Recordings. This set the stage for Birth of a New Day, which appeared in early 2015 on Russo's Dream Catalogue label. Almost immediately, the album's dreamy atmospherics and nostalgic melodies struck a chord with listeners, and it became an instant cult classic. The album went through several pressings (including a cassette release by American label Not Not Fun), and even received unexpected attention from Rolling Stone, who interviewed the duo that November. The highly anticipated follow-up Rain Temple appeared in July of 2016. After nearly two years of silence, the duo returned in 2018 with "Pillar"/"New Sun," an atmospheric techno 12" issued by Warp's reactivated sublabel Arcola. ~ Paul Simpson