Corrugated Tunnel - Chainsmoking
Dec 2, 19:27 by Stefan KoopmanschapCorrugated Tunnel is the project of Irish Edwin James. Chainsmoking is a 5-track EP out on the Irish label Freak Neck Records, a relatively new label with this being it’s second release.
Though the artist is probably not related to Richard D. James, at some points in this EP there is a clear influence by the famous UK artist that Edwin James shares his name with. Though there are parallels, it is definately not the same. Chainsmoking is an acid-heavy electro EP that takes you back to the early days of electro.
The EP starts with a light, laidback track with the original name Chain smoking monkey with tears in his eyes. Nice dreamy melodies with a laidback rhythm that is highly enjoyable to listen to. It doesn’t prepare you for what’s to come though. Breakin’ is a track built around a great bassline. The main variety is in the drumlines that flow in and out and some additional melodies. This is definately not a bad thing though, it makes for a very interesting track.
Of the third track, Darkgreyskies, a video is also included on the data part of the cd. The track is a really good track with lots of acid basslines. Very interesting, and something that doesn’t quickly get boring. The video on the data part is if possible even better, and definately fits with the music. It very much reminds me of the video that was made for Aphex Twin’s On, with great images being used in a slightly glitchy way.
Timer is a live recording made in July 2004 at Undercurrent and shows a much more solid Corrugated Tunnel than the previous 3 tracks. Though the first three tracks are very good, Timer somehow sounds more solid, and weird enough more like studio material than the first three. Great breakbeats, beautiful melodies, a nice bassline. All the ingredients for a solid track are there. And James definately knows how to handle them.
The last track is a remix of the first track. Or actually it’s the other way round. The last track is the original for the first track. It’s definately clear that the last track is older than the first track. Though both versions are quite nice, the original has a slightly less mature feeling to it. It is even more laidback though, making it that much more interesting to close the EP off with because it brings you back from your trip through the lands of Corrugated Tunnel.
Concluding, I must say that Corrugated Tunnel is a very promising artist. Judging from the live recording on the EP, the show is probably massive and should be very interesting to see. Luckily, it seems that James plays live quite a bit around Ireland so if you’re there you might be able to catch him live. I’d like to, that’s for sure.
Released on Freak Neck Records
See also: Corrugated Tunnel website