Shonky--Olympia EP

From the first bass rumblings of Olympia you know you’re in good hands. Shonky’s "Olympia" is his second EP since beginning his DJing career in 1998. Influenced by such Parisian artists like Dan Ghenacia, Ivan Smagghe, and :Terry, Shonky released his own debut "Let Me Ask You" in 2005, and follows it with "Olympia," Freak n’Chics’ first release of 2007.

Olympia—the namesake opener of the EP—is a straightforward yet tantalizing electronic joy-ride, displaying just what Shonky can do to get your body moving. Added on like layers on a sonic cake, brightly colored manifestations of resonance fly on by around the firm foundation of a solid dance-floor groove. Phantonmas is sludgier and darker, but still feature the kaleidoscope of whirling snapshot-like synth effects—like a sonic strobe light spitting out snippets of electronica joy.

Horizontal Moon – besides having one of the best song titles yet of 2007 – follows the same recipe as the previous two tracks. A different blend of effects are added however, which makes the general composure sound hipper and more life-like in a way that’s very difficult to explain. Perhaps it’s the addition of rhythmic vocals that make Horizontal Moon suave, or just the sly bass-line.

Whatever the case, Shonky makes himself a player in 2007 with "Olympia," showing he’s got the stuff to make it both in the Parisian scene and around the world.

(Published at 365Mag.com)