Surkin’s USA Review
(I know this review is long overdue but Surkin’s album kind of just crept up on me. I was scouring other blogs and mention of his debut LP shocked the hell out of me. Frantically, I downloaded the album and listened my ears off. The review…)
Surkin, one of french house music’s up and comers has finally released his first long playing record. A long time fan of hip hop music, Surkin began educating himself with dance music in 2003. Since then, Surkin has produced a number of house music staples like Kid Gloves, Ghetto Obsession 2006, White Knight Two and has put together some of the most uplifting house music DJ mixes to date (Gloves Off Mix, I Love Techno 2009). Those that know french house know Surkin. The Parisian prodigy has surmounted a lot of respect over the last few years and the question is whether this respect continues. Is Surkin’s USA a superpower in house music or just another recycled sound?
USA is a hefty album with a total of 16 tracks. These 16 tracks are mixed together similar to an early 90s mixmaster throwdown akin to the radio stations during that time. This in it itself merits respect as some people are evidently put off by this kind of mixture (I could only assume for mixing purposes). Personally, I favour this concept as it separates itself from the styles of other house music albums. In addition to the radio-style mix is a consistent homage to the 90s. USA is so energetic and is loaded with early house music samples. Most favourable, in my perspective, is the It Takes Two vocals of Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock as that sample never gets old. Moreover, Surkin does not deviate from a utopia-like sound, dream-like feel throughout the whole album. USA, ultimately, has a positive conviction from top to bottom.
Although Surkin pioneers an upbeat house music resurgence, the album isn’t without its faults. Quattro, featuring Bobmo, is by far the least favourite song on the album. The Italian-spoken countdown juxtaposed with the beat does not work for me. Additionally, some of the pop numbers put into the mix like Lose Yourself and Never Let Go takes some time to get used to (in my case, that is, as it took me a few listens to begin liking). Also, at times some of the music seemed too alike and it felt as though some sounds and styles were recycled for new songs. These issues, however, are very minimal and do not degrade the album’s overall worth. What is contrasting, however, Surkin’s ability to manipulate his samples and sounds through brilliant cuts and edits – it is simply infectious. I personally would have preferred to see Surkin expand on sounds like White Knight Two and Ghetto Obsession, expand his knowledge of Chicago house and bump-and-grind house that undoubtedly Surkin is fully aware of. Nonetheless, Surkin produces a force to be reckoned with.
Surkin’s USA is a dominant statement in french house music right now. At times certain sounds and styles sound repetitive but the overall energy of USA is far too infectious; such negatives are second-rate inadequacies. USA is a refreshing take on french house – euphoric productions fused together with fast edits, fast cuts, hip hop samples and Chicago synths (generally, french house is this but Surkin’s style is unbridled). There is another French artist, a duo in particular, that had the tools available to redefine what french house is for 2011-2012. With that idea debunked, that leaves a spot open for Surkin to lead the wave of french house’s future.
p.s. Lastfm’s users say it best, “I nominate Surkin to make the next GTA soundtrack.” I second that.
The countdown in Quattro is as the name implies in Italian (not that will change your impression of the song).
One odd move I thought was to include Silver Island over Easy Action. I know Silver Island was the lead song on that EP, but Easy Action is a lot better I think
Thanks for the heads up. I’ve changed edited the post.
As far as Silver Island/Easy Action, yeah, Easy Action’s a lot better.