Raw and raucous stylings straight from St. Louis artist Ron S. as his new “Bog Bodies” EP on Anode Records is chock full of menacing basslines and acid grooves that make for a pure underground techno treat.
Releasing on Anode Records, a label who pride themselves on expression of emotion through machinery beyond just formulaic club tracks, proves to be a great fit for this”Bog Bodies” EP. Both the label and producer are fiercely dedicated to underground techno in the Midwest. A veteran since the early ‘90s of the house and techno scenes, Ron S. has evolved his style over the past three decades from the classic dance sounds of Chicago and Detroit to the deep and synthetic futuristic takes on today’s electronic music.
The title track, “Bog Bodies”, comes in hot and heavy with standard kick pulsations entering immediately upon the start of the track. Compressed and reverberated crackles give a nice touch, almost sounding like the static on a record. Cymbal strikes come in the form of the 1/32 timing beloved by all who get down with the underground techno sounds. An ominous synth is echoed out using its harmony to symbiotically mesh with an arpeggio of acid bliss. Although the kick drum stays monotonous, the acid provides a steady groove, making for an interesting ride.
The second track, “Lindow Man”, takes on a more melancholic route with its hi-hat crash and eerie-sounding chord stabs. Off kilter snare shots edge to the tune and help create an irresistible funk that has the listener yearning for more. The track has that tried and true, middle-of-a-set feel as it takes the chord stabs and rides them through the entirety of the song. Again, acid is thrown into the mix, this time in the form of a low-end grumble. It really adds more of that funk flair and continues to be the main driving force of the track.
The entire new “Bog Bodies” EP release is slammed with stylistic acid jams and the third tune, “Yde Girl”, is no exception. Utilized from the jump, a synthesizer emits a skewed chirp, laying the foundation for the rest of the track. The compression and reverb is called upon in similar fashion to “Bog Bodies” and nestles its way into the heart of “Yde Girl”. Ron S. finds a way to take a seemingly simple rhythm and add just enough “juice” to separate it from the proverbial pack.
A powerful stomping bass is unloaded with no regard to anyone’s feelings in the final track, “Ritual Human Sacrifice”. The closer combines all of the previous segments of the first three tracks into a heady, driving story that is sonically relentless. Opting for two acid lines this time, Ron S. weaves percussion efficiently between the 303 machine sequences with the prowess of a true professional.
Very stylized and straight forward techno sounds run wild in the new “Bog Bodies” EP by Ron S. and it will surely be relished on dance floors soon.
-Jack Plumb
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