ctrl mod-l, “Egyptian (Slappers Only)” (self-released)
ctrl mod-l is Seattle producer Adrian Swan, the younger brother of Seattle electronic-music heavies Truckasauras‘ Adam and Tyler. Consequently, Adrian‘s musical exploits tend to get overlooked. But little bro’s output as Kid Presentable and ctrl mod-l slaps hard, too. More evidence of that comes on his new Bandcamp album, That Pool, the follow-up to 2017’s Wholesale Memories.
That Pool is a vibrant electro opus that displays serious, classically trained chops (thanks, UW music school) on keyboards and bass while maintaining a playful, libidinous feel. cntrl mod-l’s created a sophisticated party record for retro-futurist dance-music lovers and keen-eared heads who dig trainspotting samples. Perhaps most importantly, it’s well-equipped to soundtrack your summer shenanigans: The album title and cover are not false advertising.
“Egyptian (Slappers Only)” grabbed my attention right away with its jittery funk beats that seem to be lifted from Bush Tetras’ 1981 underground-club smash, “Can’t Be Funky.” Soon after, things shift into a heavier gear, as the staccato rhythm alludes to Kraftwerk’s ratchety electro stunner “Tour de France,” with obvious Egyptian Lover touches, too, as the provocative bass bulges and flamboyant synth spritzes prove. Add a luscious keyboard melody glinting like a diamond-encrusted chandelier above the groove orgy and you have a peak-time banger ripe for clubbers of many ages. Note to Swan: It would be great to get this on fat-grooved 12-inch.
Check out That Pool here.
