Not even 10 years ago, the idea of a production duo from New Zealand occupying an important spot in the dance community alongside artists from Europe and the US would have been laughable. But as we all know, the exponential gains in technology in recent years have rendered geographical boundaries all but obsolete when it comes to music scenes and creative output. Aukland-based Chaos In The CBD, consisting of brothers Ben and Louis Helliker-Hales, are one of the best examples of this surge of great electronic music coming from largely unexpected locations. (Fun fact: Louis was part of the Truants crew when the site was first founded). Having gained a steady following over the past couple years, the duo is now set to place New Zealand on the map with The Moving Image, their new offering on French label Youngunz.
“Birthday Song” gets things moving right away with some proper house vibes that strike a perfect balance between smooth and energetic. A subtle, rolling bass line pushes things forward, while grainy synth pulses tango with a dreamy vocal sample (from none other than Diana Ross) to bring out some really nice romantic and whimsical vibes. By the time the track reaches the third drop, it’s gained just enough momentum to transform into a tidy, euphoric dancefloor pleaser. Next up, “The Moving Image” highlights the brothers’ penchant for rhythmic variability, opening up with an inventive rhythm stationed somewhere between Funky, garage, and tropical house. The duo utilizes marimba – the overly cheesy instrument of the moment – to establish a moody, nostalgic tone that’s also picked up throughout the track by gliding, brassy synth tones. Meanwhile, fragments of processed vocals bounce weightlessly around the stereo field, creating a sense of space that really sets the track off. This one sounds very much in line with the recent production and DJ work of like-minded duo Nguzunguzu.
For us, the top offering on this release is found in “Trying To Get A Dub.” Borrowing the woozy vocal ooh’s and ahh’s and tropicalia influences from the other tracks, this one is destined for dancefloor success thanks to a thicker sub-bass foundation and an unavoidably infectious vocal sample. One thing this track shows off is Chaos In The CBD’s seemingly effortless ability to build a track around atmospheric elements more than overtly melodic leads. This production sensibility lends a breezy sheen to the whole release, making it a valuable addition to your summer playlists. “Something You Got” rounds out the original productions with some retro-meets-tropical vibes reminiscent of LOL Boys or Julio Bashmore’s recent work. A buttery synth lead glides around jubilantly against a backdrop of rich, transcendent pads, while clamorous percussion gives the track more energy than its muffled kick drum would suggest.
The Helliker-Hales brothers enlisted a stellar lineup of remixers to give their fresh and diverse takes on their productions. First up is super-hyped young New Orleans producer Jim-E Stack, who dissects “Birthday Song” and reassembles it in his innovative, trademark way. The reworking incorporates elements from moombahton, slowed-down B-more, and the as of yet nameless kind of romantic, slo-mo dance sounds showcased most prominently in Nguzunguzu’s Perfect Lullaby mix. Next, Submerse takes “The Moving Image” into more straightforward dance territory, incorporating a distinct garage shuffle as well as some 4×4 rhythmic sensibilities. At the same time, Submerse holds on to the longing vocal sample from the original, giving this one some great late-night appeal. Finally, French Fries & Bambounou represent the Youngunz roster by turning out a brilliant remix of “Trying To Get A Dub” that features a stop-and-go sub-bass line that’s wound so tight it could come undone at any moment. The track is restrained and sparse in a way that you wouldn’t expect from French Fries, but it’s a definite showstopper. Boasting seven beautifully-constructed tunes that span a wide range of sounds, this release is highly recommended, so be sure to pick it up when it comes out. Also, in anticipation of the upcoming release, the duo is offering a download of their dancefloor-ready track “Distant,” a higher-tempo number with a pronounced garage flair. Grab it below for free!
Download: Chaos In The CBD – Distant
Chaos In The CBD – The Moving Image E.P by youngunz
Chaos In the CBD – The Moving Image (Youngunz) out July 18th.
