The Long Island Electrical Systems imprint is a force to be reckoned with. The New York label, fronted by Ron Morelli, has been a prolific source of music since its 2010 inception. L.I.E.S. has catered to fans in every corner of leftfield dance music, be it via Steve Moore’s piercingly rapid techno, Bookworms’ percussive tribal rhythms, or the more ambient sounds of Professor Genius’ “Hassan”. In August L.I.E.S. put out the “Pacific House” EP, the second offering from Trackman Lafonte & Bonquiqui following their March debut on Crème Organization. The enigmatic duo has described their sound as ‘1991 San Jose Cali-house’, but you’re probably more familiar with their day-to-day monikers: Legowelt and Xosar. Yep, Legowelt has adopted yet another alias and joined forces with newcomer Xosar to create some lo-fi analog house music. What’s more, the pair hooked up again in November under the name Xamiga. Exhausted? So are we.
Stream: Trackman Lafonte & Bonquiqui – Believe in Something (L.I.E.S.)
The EP radiates with a warmth, which is surprising considering the darkness that enshrines the bulk of the L.I.E.S. catalogue. “Pacific House” announces itself with a syncopated drum groove that provides a foundation for the woozy, spiralling synths that characterise the track. The hi-hat’s dull fizz carries the song to its dizzying crescendo – complete with infectious vocal samples – and all you’re left wondering is where the eff the waiter is with your piña colada. The first B-side, “Cholas Live Free”, is fuelled by its percussion. The drums are carefully arranged and heavily regimented, allowing the buoyant synths to flourish. A wistfulness pervades “Believe in Something”, distinguishing it from the sun-drenched light-heartedness of the previous tracks. The pensive chords and synth stabs are immersive in the most hypnotic fashion, fading out without so much as a whimper.
Clocking in at fifteen minutes, the “Pacific House” EP offers a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it portrait of a scene that never really existed. It’s a work of sonic fiction, spun by two of the most innovative producers around. It’s timeless in the sense that it lends itself to both the past and the future, but the concept that is Trackman Lafonte & Bonquiqui has a shelf life. Soak it up while you can.
Stream: Trackman Lafonte & Bonquiqui – Pacific House (L.I.E.S.)
Trackman Lafonte & Bonquiqui’s Pacific House EP is available now on vinyl; it’s sold out from most outlets but can be bought here.
