The very anticipated new EP from The Gaslamp Killer, Death Gate, drops any day now, and after his debut private press 10†EP My Troubled Mind, it could easily have been more of the same from GLK. Handling the majority of the production on one of the best albums of the year, A Sufi & A Killer, showcased The Gaslamp Killer’ digging finesse, unearthing lost psych gems and reinventing them to blow speakers with overloaded bass and the dirt and grit of lo-fi sounds taking you on a musical trip. The album didn’ just leave the listener wanting more GLK instrumentals to tantalize, but illuminated a marriage with the unique voice of Gonjasufi, two exciting talents that just seem to work so well together.
Gonjasufi features on one of the five tracks off Death Gate, bringing the same intensity, but digging from a different crate. “When I’m In Awe†is an afro-psych-funk-rock odyssey, meshing a refrained Gonjasufi over an African jazz rhythm with Turkish psych guitar and subdued organ, dissolving into a sea of buried noise. “Fun Over 100â€, with crazed 8-bit synth melodies over an experimental 90′ minimalism not heard from GLK before. “Carpool Dummy†lays down everything hard, hard live cut-up drums and domineering synths, before shedding the shackles of electronics, leaving just the heavy beat. Computer Jay features with synthesizers on “Shattering Inner Journeysâ€, and this is a collaboration that needs to be nurtured. Another killer combination of talent, creating mad live drumming with creepy John Carpenter style synth lines; breaking down what seems to be a track in four parts, into a wonderful concoction of psychedelic reflection and electronic aspiration. He lets the dub seep in to finish out part four. “Monsterfromtheunderground†rounds out this excellent EP, paying homage to J Saul Kane, with this gritty electro-rock gem; combining the heavy synthesis of Depth Charge style electronics, and the raw and dirty lopping beats of Kane’ lesser known Alexanders Dark Band alter-ego, GLK seems to heighten the intensity to another level.
Released on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label, lush artwork as usual, and a lovingly pressed thick slab of 10†vinyl, but remember, it is a private press of limited numbers, so its always going to cost more, and this is pricey. Even so, I believe its worth every cent, and as the exchange rate with the US is so good at the moment, its just another reason to treat your ears, and damage your speakers. Don’ miss it.
Wayne Stronell
