Newcomers, Chuurch, are coming in hot with their freshman EP Uunion.
Fostered by Skrillex’s nebulous media platform, Nest, the duo (Jeff Willson and Justin MacLean) have been attracting attention since 2016, but reignited interest when they released a taste of their stripped down style in a MiniMix at the start of 2018. Uunion is officially the first EP release of 2018 for Nest.
Chuurch’s sound is meaty bass, with seasoning- there is little left to the imagination, but it’s satiating. There are times when bass drops and build ups can be cluttered into a track with piercing sirens and hyper erratic synths- Chuurch’s vibe is completely different. Some have described it as Lean Bass, a focus on bass lines complimented by other aggressive, dark-electro elements.This bravado that Chuurch has delved into is not dependent on fearsomeness or fangs, but instead a darker, more illusive luster.
The first single from this dank collection is ‘Rough It’, which is a plucky, but booming concoction ripe with murky voice clips, and thundering treble. Next up is ‘One Mind’, a quirky journey through billows of bass, crunchy, laser synths, and murky vocals with numerous transitions- its a maze of various tempos, and amorphous, deep sounds to get lost in. ‘Mobbin’ brings it back a bit, with a steadier pace, and techno-house feels, but still pulses, and envelopes.
There are elements to this EP that show growth from their previous releases with Deadbeats, Perfect Driver, and This Aint Bristol. The sound has marinated, and been tested through selective appearances and performances since their inception. This EP feels like the frothy crest of their wave of success; it is a victory lap of sorts.
Each track plays up different aspects of the classic genres Chuurch has been influenced by. Flavors of 90’s hip-hop, techno-house, with a frosting of banging bass make this a mash up of all things nostalgic, but some how its has a nasty, trap aroma. Etching out their own little niche in the electronic music world, Chuurch shows that they are on their way to owning the block.
The freshest single, ‘Erase the Pain’ showcases Blak Trash’s storytelling rhymes about finding solace in the caresses of a sub-woofer, and the inky darkness of a dance floor. The cocky, sauntering melody keeps pace with Trash’s laid back, but exacting tone. Chuurch’s layering and break down of different elements through this track show off their phrenetic energy and their ability to bleed different elements together just to shred them apart.
Check it out the full project below.
