Slava - Raw Solutions [CD]

Raw Solutions is the debut full-length by Slava. Following his 2012 EP Soft Control for Software Recording Co., Raw Solutions finds Slava exploring the darker, denser corners of Chicago House and Footwork in an ever-broadening context.

Slava means fame and glory in Russian and is the artists given name. Born in 1980s Moscow, Slava developed a taste early for the pop glamor slowly steaming its way through the Cold War door. Stricken by the particular flair of Freddie Mercury, young Slava imitated his every dance move, complete with fake mustache, slicked-back hair and a broomstick for a microphone stand.

After moving to Chicago at the age of 12, Slava discovered a new object of obsession House Music. At 23, Slava began creating his own productions inspired by the citys musical legacy, tinged with bittersweet memories of a childhood spent in socialized housing blocks.

After relocating to New York City in 2009, Slavas Windy City 2 Step set became a beacon for the best or, simply, rawest dance parties. An enigmatic figure in Brooklyns underground dance community, Slavas presence at any after hour party focuses the altered state of the room in a stately but ecstatic way.

True to his cross-cultural identity, Slavas production doesnt fit neatly into a categorical genre. Rather, it surveys many and, Zelig-like, borrows freely from them. Slava dissects elements of pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, Vogue House, British Bass and Ambient and refocuses them in almost sculptural form for the live experience.

The development of Raw Solutions was greatly informed by Slavas performance. Often recorded in single takes directly from a Korg Electribe ESX, the album compositions were crafted from bare machine essentials with few audio effects or sound-design. Slavas command of the mix powers Raw Solutions along a more refined and visceral arc than his previous recorded work.

The vocal sample has become a signature element in Slavas carefully constructed balance. The thick and sticky sonic material of the samples contrasts the lean tone of mix element. The space surrounding Slavas skeletal programming becomes muscular with foraged sounds.

Over the course of Raw Solutions, the samples dissolve into the production, naturalizing the contrasting presence. Raw Solutions rarely drifts though. The mix remains meticulously assembled each part perfectly puzzled-pieced. Mercurys penchant for intricate vocal choreography may have left as deep a stamp on Slavas psyche as his charisma.

The Raw Solutions album cover continues Slavas relationship with the collaborative artist team of Dora Budor and Maja Cule, also responsible for Soft Controls cover design. A video for Werk is forthcoming, directed by Michael Intile with creative direction by Katie Hickman and Richard Pedaline.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Dance & Electronic