Kenton Slash Demon - SUN EP [with free download of Portable AKA Bodycode remix]

sallman said on Wed, 07/28/2010 - 17:45

Artist: Kenton Slash Demon
Title: SUN EP
Label: Tartelet Records
Catalog #: Tartelet 006
Genre: House
Release Date: July 26, 2010
Rating: 8.5

Kenton Slash Demon are Jonas Kenton and Silas Moldenhawer, who also make up half of the pop outfit When Saints Go Machine. While WSGM is synthesizer heavy, K / D sounds organic, maybe as a reaction to their pop history. This reaction gives it its sense of space, layered samples provide a deep palette and environment while retaining a song-like structure that is all too rare in house music.

SUN starts with its sources: a microloop of acoustic strumming with syncopated detuned hum is contextualized by drums in breakbeat framework and polyrhythmic chord samples. As it settles into this groove a gospel-style vocal sample cuts the beat and cues the bass. What follows is, somehow, just as varied.

The superfunky bass guides us through the arc of the song but provides detail and melody on a smaller scale. It is punctuated by quick drops and unexpected breakdowns. This gives SUN a wholeness. Instead of looping beats and predictable structuring, K / D make music.

It's too bad that we can't say the same for Bodycode's remix. While the goofy vocals, which fall somewhere between an 80's lilt and embarrassed teenager crooning alone in his room, gain a certain charm by the end of the 10 minute romp, there is not much to salvage from this track.

Despite its disappointing B-side, Kenton Slash Demon's single is definitely worth checking out.

- Neil Cline

Tracks:
A) SUN
B) SUN (Portable AKA Bodycode Remix)

And for everyone showing their FWD love, here's a free download of the Portable AKA Bodycode remix of SUN:

http://fairtilizer.com/track/134029