12 Inch Hand Stamped Label
Kerri Chandler’s mighty Kaoz Theory welcomes an appropriately colossal figure from the dance world for its next EP, with Canadian artist Art Department aka Jonny White serving up four fantastic new tracks.
Now the lone force behind the world-famous Art Department project, White also heads up the decade strong No.19 Music as well as more recent label additions Social Experiment & Sunday Money. On tour, he can be found at the world’s leading clubs and festivals laying down emotive, forward thinking sets of underground house and techno that continue to evolve and inspire. His CV doesn’t stop there, with a passionate commitment to wildlife conservation leading to the formation of Music Against Animal Cruelty (MAAC), a non-profit organization which has seen White rally support from the music industry to make a real difference to a vital cause. Add to this his recent partnership in leading label and distribution company Subwax Bcn and it’s clear that White is a man on a mission.
As ever with Art Department, these latest tracks show another subtle evolution of sound, kicking off with the superb ‘Industry.’ This is a roller coaster ride through raw organic grooves with swirling pads and subtle vocal cries all layering up the intensity and guaranteeing a huge reaction. The equally impactful ‘Exit to Eden’ takes on a more swinging house vibe, with brilliantly loose drums shuffling along with a New York feel. Again, soulful vocal samples add steaminess to the groove, delivering a cut that is destined to lift the mood wherever it’s dropped.
The kicking ‘Boa’ picks up the pace once more with smart drum programming that gets you on your toes. It’s upright and driving, with raw hits and huge kicks powering you along as a timeless and nimble bassline bounces about down low. Closing things down in style, the excellent ‘Madbar’ is another high impact house cut with edgy chord stabs and bristling drums. The whole thing brims with house charm and is a perfect closing opus to the accomplished package.
These latest four offerings from Art Department mark another high for Kerri Chandler’s always on-point Kaoz Theory.