Cute Heels is, in part, continuing the Industrial project which was started in the late 70s. That coarse and primitive pulse of the past is present, but so are the underpinnings of Birmingham and Detroit.
San Francisco’s Dark Entries has, of late, been looking, more and more, to contemporary artists and groups. True, Josh Cheon’s imprint is still unearthing albums and EPs from history; but modern interpretations of synth wave, post punk and electronics are finding a greater platform on DE. A new brigade of musicians looking into the past for inspiration whilst scrutinizing the present, Cute Heels, Victor Lenis, is a foot soldier of this burgeoning troop. The Columbian artist has been making electronic music since 2003 and made his vinyl début last year on Gooiland Elektro of Enfant Terrible. Now it’s time for the Black Leather Records founder to turn up the output with his first vinyl album, Spiritual.
“La Symphonie” balloons into being, swelling under the immense pressures of bass and staggered beat. “SV Forrest” is sharpened proto-techno, Industrial rinses boiled in a caustic stew of factory floor memories and heavy skies. The Columbian musician echoes the sounds of Throbbing Gristle, Front 242 and Neon Judgement whilst referencing peers like Charles Manier. There is a depth of originality to Spiritual, a uniqueness summarized in a lightness of expression, as in the title track or the playful chords of “Metal Disco.” Warmth is tempered by Arctic winds. Splintered snares and clinical bars represent an Electro and Techno stream that runs through the record, bubbling overground in tracks like “Methaphysic The Method.” Emotion permeates the percussion, notes floating against leaden atmospheres and punishing beats. “Future Dancers Last Rockers” closes, a terse and textured piece to end.
Cute Heels is, in part, continuing the Industrial project which was started in the late 70s. That coarse and primitive pulse of the past is present, but so are the underpinnings of Birmingham and Detroit. At times tough, at others tender, Lenis blends the ideas founded by pioneers some thirty years ago with an original and acrid taste for today. A staunch statement and fierce return to fundamentals this upcoming artist.
Spiritual is available on Dark Entries.
