Since releasing Leave Luck to Heaven in 2003 and Backstroke in 2004 two critically acclaimed records that brought micro-house as close as it ever got to the mainstream Detroits Matthew Dear has had little time to be himself. Hes recorded as False for Richie Hawtins Minus/Plus 8 label, still keeps the moniker Jabberjaw for Berlins Perlon label and last year unleashed Audion, his acid-trance alter ego. Dears work has been known for its chilly minimalism, streaked with occasional handclaps, a swinging string section and brooding vocals (as on the international club hit, Dog Days). Some of Dears signature synth lines remain on Audions Suckfish, but forget about the chill: The LPs production values are strictly white-hot.
When recording under his own name, Dear treated sex with caution, as if he wanted to get to know you better before making his move; on Suckfish theres no mistaking anything on songs like Your Place or Mine, Titty Fuck, Kisses and Just Fucking. He thrusts his music forward with nasty disco-funk rhythms, grinding low yo-yo bass lines and rising spasms of psychedelic noise. Come together right now? You bet.
Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Oslo (1456 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-963-0300) with Ellen Allien. Suckfish hits store shelves Tuesday, Oct. 4.
Walter Wasacz writes about music for Metro Times. Send comments to [email protected].