The boisterous Kiwi brothers deliver a deliciously hypnotic EP inspired by a long-lost strain of cannabis.
When they’re not posting funny texts from their mom or photoshopping the Prime Minister of New Zealand (aunty jacinda), Chaos in the CBD are producing some of the finest dance music around. They’ve become known for the jazzy late-night-drive sound that defines some of their big tunes, like “Midnight in Peckham” and “78 to Stanley Bay.” But their recent release, “Te Puke Thunder,” is something different.
Whereas previous Chaos in the CBD tunes were driven by melody and mood, “Te Puke Thunder” is more about rhythm and texture. The result is a hypnotic, grooving tour de force.
“Mahia Madness,” the A1 tune, comes out of the gate with a surprise: despite a four on the floor cadence, the snare is on the 3rd beat, rather than the 2nd and 4th beats. This unusual rhythm slows the listener down. Quarter-beat head nods are replaced by third-beat head sways. In slowing down, the listener surrenders to the the rich atmospheric sounds the tune has to offer – it’s like raving while wrapped in your comfiest blanket.
The A2 tune, “Coral Castle,” speeds things up. “Coral Castle” clocks in at 135 beats per minute, which is uncharacteristically fast for Chaos in the CBD. Despite its speed, the tune is a slow burn. Swirling percussion and synths create a rolling atmosphere that gradually opens up as ethereal vocals and punchier rhythms join the cast. This dynamic tune would be right at home at peak time, or sunrise.
The titular tune, “Te Puke Thunder,” is a measured and mysterious journey. Dark, cinematic pads reign over the tune, while industrial blips chimes keep things interesting underneath. It’s fitting that the tune is charged with mystery. Its name comes from the revered Te Puke Thunder cannabis strain, a product of the volcanic region of New Zealand. Although most believe the strain has been eradicated by the New Zealand authorities, it may still exist in esoteric gardens of perseverant growers. Here’s to mystery.
– Forest Lieberman
Check out “Te Puke Thunder” here: Bandcamp
