It's a shame when commitments get in the way of those musical efforts providing escape from them. Things such as studies, social obligations, and myriad other demanding stimuli rob attention from where it often ought to be placed, and we've no choice at times but to adhere to the distractions, however agitating they may be. The moments we require to acknowledge what artistry deserves to be illuminated dwindles as a result, and the attribute of timeliness gets thrown out on occasion when it comes to proper recognition. but that's alright when the opportunity for appreciate remains at all. The above monologue is aimed at Melbourne, Australia producer Chiefs' efforts on his debut Reign Dance EP released three days ago through the blooming DIE HIGH label, and acts essentially as a sort of mental catharsis for us, since we've been meaning to get to the work ever since we learned of its eventual actuality. His absolutely phenomenal single "Stay" released a week in advance of the greater body of work of which it was a part, successfully roping us into the realm of anticipation for the ensuing efforts, which we've finally found the time to properly look over. Reign Dance begins with a billowing build, mirroring perfectly the ascension of the producer himself, before bursting into an orchestra of electronical nuances, and a danceable atmosphere unfolds immediately. There's percussion aplenty, and bass weighty enough to make even the firmest booty drop, which we think was an objective of Chiefs', to be completely honest. The kinetic vibes from the title track carry over onto the subsequent "The City" effort, which happens to be a favorite of ours included below, and on it, we've a few more moments of vivacity to vibe within before the aforementioned "Stay" falls into the audible fray. The latter provides a terrific change in pace and overall attitude to the larger body of work, incorporating the soothing vocals of Nick Acquroff into the mellowed groove Chiefs provides in the background. Afterwards, the Aussie delves back into the electronic, and now elegant, ambiance with the geographically-appropriate track titled "Tsunami" which indeed washes over with a slew of synths and screwed vocal sampling. We've included it along with "The City" as a standout effort on the debut affair, enjoying its tempered sonic explosions and creative continuity. The final three contributions to the project intensify the electricity running central throughout the acoustical adventure of Chiefs', not sacrificing grandiosity for any bit of aural relaxation. It is, after all, an EP designed for dance, rather than for tranquility, and it's impossible to find significant fault in the enthusiastic electronic he pieces precisely into his production. Chiefs goes all out with this debut offering of his, and we can't blame him; it's staggeringly alive, and anyone fortunate enough to come across it will revel in the satisfaction received from the shaved calories it'll inspire.
CHIEFS