San Proper - Keep It Raw

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  • San Proper has apparently been kicking around the Dutch music scene for many years, but only recently turned his attention to dance music. Based on the results of his debut 12-inch for Perlon, it's hard not to be thankful he did. "Keep It Raw" is a weird and wonderful tune that starts out with spindly guitar lines wrapping around one another in tight loops before Proper's exhortations gain strength and we're off to make sure that the titular action is performed, er, properly. San's banging dance floor style seems to take some stylistic notes from Levon Vincent in the enormous dub-inflected riff that dominates the track. But Proper belongs on Perlon: There are too many niggling little bits and pieces that pop up throughout that make this one of those rare dance records that is as intricate as it is visceral. "December 10th," meanwhile, opts for subtler climes. The vibe is aquatic, with the bass taking precedence and everything else seemingly hidden underneath a biodome that protects it from the outside world. It's not quite hermetically sealed, though: Again, Proper's sound design leans towards disorientation, and every so often what I imagine is his own voice emerges from the murk. I've shied away from the V-word, but it's worth invoking. "December 10th" is perhaps a Dutch take on Villalobos: Hard, unrelenting beats don't give you much room to breathe, but if you're willing to go underwater for a bit, there's plenty to find.
  • Tracklist
      A Keep It Raw B December 10th
RA