The machines are on display, bare beat patterns and belligerence, but there are thought-provoking moments amidst the toughened Techno and hardened House.
Tsampikos Fronas, aka June, has continued to grow in acclaim since I first wrote about him last year. His brand of Chicago Acid gained the German newcomer an immediate audience and his Golden Era EP, with its synth wave slant, illustrated the extent of Fronas’ abilities. 2014 sees a new venture for the label with London’s Trenton Chase having been drafted into the June ranks.
“Probation” delivers a 303 fist fight. Violent bass is coupled with seething Acid squawk. The track is demon eyed, powerful and blood-thirsty, worthy of UR or Plus 8. The fire is somewhat doused for drum machine centred “On The Run,” Chase opening up his 808 for a layered work of percussion focused House. “Yo Pussy Stank Bitch” sees the influence of Marcus Mixx arrive, Ghettotech silliness summarized in sex soaked samples and aggression. The red-meat consuming vigor of “Probation” returns for “Breakout.” Pound and thump are rained on by cymbals for a 4/4 carnivore. “Pisca” ends and turns the tables. Fervor and venom are capped as emotion pours forth. Lilting chords, echoing Larry Heard, bend and sway against smooth rhythm programming for a superb cleanser to close.
On the needle touching down on The Vampire of Sacramento you would be forgiven for thinking you are entering a world of full pelt Techno and nosebleeds. That is part of the record, but it is not the entire story. Trenton Chase serves wrought iron electronics alongside something much more subtle. The machines are on display, bare beat patterns and belligerence, but there are thought-provoking moments amidst the toughened Techno and hardened House. A top-quality debut.
The Vampire of Sacramento is available on June.
