Dirtybird today is known for its “booty bounce bass”-infused tech house sounds, which has since become an entry point for many Americans into electronic music. Before these more commercialised sounds became its dominating force, however, Claude VonStroke’s 16-year-old label was once held as an institution for cutting edge curation.
It’s safe to say the label is beginning to return to its roots once more. Ardalan’s debut studio album, ‘Mr. Good,’ showcased a variety of genre flavors, whilst their newest resident Nikki Nair is a drum ‘n bass prodigy. These curatorial chops also show heavily in Robot Love, a fresh Berklee graduate who capture Claude VonStroke’s heart through SoundCloud with his indietronica-leaning modular productions. He’s released his second EP on the label now, ‘Glass Table,’ and it’s nothing short of class.
‘Glass Table‘ continues to define the Robot Love sound, which to us resembles a cross between Jon Hopkins and Four Tet with an original twist. We’re particularly drawn to the more playful “Slumberjack,” whose quirky, almost bubbly sound effects and thick bass are standout features. Chimey synths add to the cheeriness. “Tangle” is a nice entry as well, taking a more melancholic approach in its melancholic arrangement and addition of distorted vocal bits.
The EP comes just off the tip of Robot Love’s ‘Couchout 2020’ contribution as well, a nuanced and slightly jazzy “What I Lived For.” It’s artists like these that breathe refreshing excitement back into the Dirtybird fold, and we’re keen to hear what else is yet to come as the year finishes out.
