Chronic Fatigue - Chronic Fatigue
New York imprint Kshack has remained seemingly under the radar, steadily releasing music since 2021. The output is "an excellent shack" of electronic music. The label has emphasised artistic pursuits, with fantastic photography adorning every release and thematic music being the centrepiece. Kshack also aims to bridge the gap between bass, industrial and techno with an excellent brainy twist. The latest release on this fascinating label is the self-titled release by Chronic Fatigue, the duo of Carly Salas and Hope Fitton, who provide stunning artwork and killer vocals. The EP was produced by Michael Sheffield, who joined Jeremy Krinsley, AKA Human Resources, under the alias Ronnie Makebelieve for Kshack's first release.
Chronic Fatigue (2024) starts with a back-breaking barrage of booming kick drums and slicing hats, all courtesy of the Korg Volca Beats. Chronic Fatigue categorises this release as "poetry and machine music," but that barely touches the record's surface. Punkish vocals, big beats, and a gritty edge make the duo sound like more industrial-leaning Paranoid London on the first track, 'Paranoia'. Chronic Fatigue then slows down the simplistic instrumental parts, inserts the two-step rhythm as a foundation and goes wild, using effects to create dazzling swirling atmospheres created by delays and reverbs swell and fade. And, of course, I have to mention the cowbell. Chronic Fatigue has belted out two tracks that kick 2024 in the teeth upon arrival. The record is closed out by a remix of 'Paranoia' by MAL.E, the alter ego of Sweater on Polo, who just landed an album on L.I.E.S. Records. It's a subversive stepper that takes on the original, blending purposeful techno grooves with those trippy effect swells.
Tracklist:
Paranoia
Bloom
Paranoia (MAL.E Remix)
Label: Kshack (2024)
Chronic Fatigue - Chronic Fatigue