(12.14.06) AS a reviewer, there can sometimes be a pensive moment when a release by an unknown artist comes through the mail slot. The same can be said for record labels. This is the case with the Californian imprint Samurai Records, a quite recent and not particularly well known label. Yet, these flushes of anxiety may pass on listening to the material that such a label is producing. Two Samurai artists fell from the brown bubble wrap bag: Sam McQueen and Women_In_Panic. Did these artists have the style and talent to erode the butterflies?
Samurai Records was founded by Anthony Cleveland with the bold statement of: “We created this label because we wanted to share the universal statement of music. Our roster is growing with some great artists, and they will always play a leading role in the label’s sound and future.”
But are these two artists on which a label’s future is based to be insured?
Women_In_Panic is the brainchild of Protuguese artist Pedro LourenÁo with the new 12″ single named after the tracks: Like When I Was 17, Pleasure from the Stars. WIP has different elements of electro in its sound. The lyrics have that same ESL feel famous in italo records. Yet, the musical content has a much more rock electro side as electric guitars feature heavily in “Like When I Was 17.” The piece has a dirty electro punx, ersatz
audio feel, with slick, clipping synth plays. “Pleasure from the Stars” has a more squalid, aggressive electro texture to it. A much more electronic centred work, as a brash array of chords parade through the track whilst exhibitionist lyrics strut and stalk in the backdrop. A distorted solo tears across the belly of the track before the guttural and sexual re-emerge from the depths.
Sam McQueen comes to Samurai with the Wicker Park EP, three techno pieces. McQueen was one-third of the electronic group Indio, but stands alone on Samurai. The first track of the EP, none of which appear to be titled at the moment, is a bit run of the mill. The piece has some interesting elements, shards of house and some good melodies; yet it just has an overall generic aspect. Track two is much more complex than its predecessor, as rich drums float the sound out whilst McQueen pushes some sublime notes through the breaks. A vintage piece of techno. Track three keeps on the same route as track two. Expertly constructed chords haunt over a bed of antique techno beats to create a warm, relaxed pool of analogue sound. Piano like keys drizzle over the track, adding a rich layer to this already textured effort.
Were these artists the tonic for this reviewer’s anxieties? Yes. Despite their difference in style, both artists have achieved something with their latest EPs on this new born imprint. WIP has created high-class electro. McQueen has made a top-notch techno record. With these two musicians, Cleveland has made a sound investment for the future, and hopeful growth, of his label.
For more info about Samurai Records, visit their website here.
