Kerri Chandler - Kong / Pong
Deeply Rooted House - DRH 016
So here it is – Kerri Chandler’s coming-out as a computer nerd. I think it should encourage nerds disguised as DJs and producers all over the world to step out and say: „Yes! So what if I sometimes like to throw on my Inner City CD and do some Fortran programming!“ Kerri’s revelation surely explains his relatively fast adoption of laptop-DJing (heavily frowned upon by purists at the time as I recall) and the giga-nerd laser live at Southport.
But if you are easily intimidated by music producers confessing to have been into “modding game machines”, I can safely say - you need not fear. And those of you who are expecting Kerri’s trademark bottom-heavy bass drums and 808 claps, this EP doesn’t fail to deliver. “Kong” is very much an old school house track, with some acidish snare/clap/cymbal action and a bouncy bass line. You know, sometimes you just like toast, without any butter or jam or anything. “Pong” is a more elaborate tune, relying on percussion, arpeggiated synthesizers and finally a string section to contrast the tech. It travels a bit to the Ibadan and “Sandcastles” territory and ends up with maybe just a little too much cheese for my taste.
The pick? Just toast for me, please. Thank you!
A: Kong
B: Pong
