diff --git a/RELEASE-NOTES b/RELEASE-NOTES
index 78c83b1..2075d39 100644
--- a/RELEASE-NOTES
+++ b/RELEASE-NOTES
@@ -1,3 +1,12 @@
+version 0.8.5
+-------------
+
+- rework of JSON layer to better handle batch requests.  This is
+  preparatory work for improved DoS resistance.
+
+I'm aware recent versions don't sync efficiently; please use 0.8.0 to sync
+until I find time to fix it.
+
 version 0.8.4
 -------------
 
diff --git a/server/version.py b/server/version.py
index 23e3031..845ec4c 100644
--- a/server/version.py
+++ b/server/version.py
@@ -1 +1 @@
-VERSION = "ElectrumX 0.8.4"
+VERSION = "ElectrumX 0.8.5"