CaliFuture is the latest offering from the bearded Dirtybird label-head, a hard-hitting 3 track EP, evolving on his Urban Animal sound.
Dirtybird is unquestionably one of the biggest labels in house music today. With releases from the likes of Eats Everything, Justin Martin and Worthy to name a few, it says a lot that boss-man Claude VonStroke has consistently lead from the front, putting out some of Dirtybird’s best records over the past 10 years.
Last year saw the release of his incredible third album Urban Animal, which developed VonStroke’s forward thinking take on house music, all the while keeping that Dirtybird groove.
The title track CaliFuture is an acid-soaked groove that features Barry Drift on the vocals, who delivers a biographical narrative of VonStroke’s rise to prominence in San Francisco. In typical VonStroke style, the song has a dark undertone despite the playful style.The huge acid synth melody loops its way throughout the track, which compliments Drift’s vocals well. Despite production being typically on point, the track is, well, slightly boring. It certainly serves the purpose as a more conceptually developed song than your run of the mill house track but it’s just missing a bit more groove.
Fortunately EYE I EYEis an absolute stormer. The track is archetypal VonStroke, with all the mutated vocal samples and spacey wobbles you could ask for. The track evolves constantly throughout, taking you on a rollercoaster before smashing you back to earth with a simple but huge glitchy bassline. The track could have been an offcut from Urban Animal, and that is in no way a criticism.
The EP comes with an added Dub version of CaliFuture, so whilst it may not be VonStroke’s greatest work to date it’s too short and sweet for you to care. It continues his relentless work rate and only further solidifies his status as top-dog at Dirtybird. The EP is certainly worth a listen if not just for the huge EYE I EYE.
Available on Beatport: here
George Smith
