Side-by-Side: Pastel Voids’ 2015-16 Winter Batch
Pastel Voids, the label-collective founded by Brooklyn artist Metropol, has announced their winter batch of releases, due out in a variety of formats on January 20th. The releases range from the stripped-down percussion of Ascetic House affiliate Jock Club to the hardcore hardware jams of U.S. Hard / Contemporary, with an emphasis on tempered tones and experimental electronics. Each release stands out on its own, but taken in tandem the batch becomes a cohesive discourse on the state of the underground scene, finding strength in its multifaceted approach and unified sense of self. While each release has its own charm, here are some of the highlights…
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New Sneakers by Jonny Oso is the lone CD-R of the batch, and while the format is arguably today’s least respected musical medium, I hope that doesn’t dissuade anyone from picking up a copy. The four-tracks, “inspired by house, acid, hip hop, and club culture,” contain the frenetic energy of a Friday night downtown, where the clang of electro pulses collide with trailed-vision synths to create a club narrative that will still be felt the next morning. If you’re looking for night out but your good friend Murder Capital Records is still tired from last night, Jonny Oso will be over within the hour to start pregaming.
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Jock Club’s Controlled Area tape stays in the pocket of his previous releases with three sinewy techno work outs that stay true to his signature style. Suffocating percussion presses down on the listener, leaving just enough room for a few subdued melodic lines, but the emphasis is clearly placed on the beat. The energy found in the juxtaposition of strength and restraint is indisputable, and Jock Club pulls it off in a way that makes it seem effortless.
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Body Codes by Portland’s Purpura (the side project of Joel Shanahan, aka Golden Donna) is my favorite release in the batch, chronicling a live performance written for and recorded during a show in the artist’s hometown. Purpura pulls off the seemingly impossible task of creating a live set that maintains the energy of a DJ while imbuing it with the personal flourishes of a producer. While the artist’s statement admits to there being imperfections, the few offbeat moments add to the albums energy, grounding the listener in the reality of the recording and reminding them that the set was originally a transitory moment in time. The five tracks come together to create something larger than their individual selves, making it perfect for a tape’s full side.
Order releases in Pastel Void’s winter batch via Bandcamp.
