See what I did there? Claude VonStroke (CVS), the boss of perhaps my favorite record label, is due to release his third full-length album on September 17th. Urban Animal will be a seven-track collection of Claude’s latest work in the realms of Deep House, Tech-House, Booty Bass, and everything in between. As one might expect, Claude VonStroke will release Urban Animal on his very own imprint Dirtybird Records and it will be the label’s 100th release at that time. Urban Animal will be the first time Claude VonStroke releases an LP since 2009’s very awesome Bird Brain, which came after 2006’s also very awesome Beware of the Bird.
Today Claude VonStroke, the San Francisco veteran, released the first two singles from Urban Animal: “Can’t Wait” and “The Clapping Track”. I’m always excited when CVS drops new music and upon hearing the previews I was very pleased, although frustrated that I could only hear a couple minutes of each track. My early favorite of the two songs is “The Clapping Track”, which has such a fun, lighthearted vibe combined with a driving VonStroke signature bass line. “Can’t Wait” reminds me of some earlier Claude VonStroke work with “Aundy” coming to mind first and foremost.
Here’s what Dirtybird had to say about the first two singles from Urban Animal:
The introductory single, “Cant Wait,” is reminiscent of some of VonStroke’s deeper classics while also pushing further into new territory. A sense of restraint and release play games throughout this melancholy tune with a fat bassline locking down the groove. “Can’t Wait” has fleeting moments of euphoria that are both surprising and uplifting especially for a summer open air crowd.
“The Clapping Track” then shows us the fun side of VonStroke where he cuts apart 16 claps and then brings them back together – building up to a standing ovation as a resonate organ sounds. This house anthem has already been destroying the Dirtybird Ibiza residency and summer festival circuit as well.
Both tracks are great for the club and leave us wondering what other happy surprises have been constructed out of the infinite imperfect pieces inside Claude VonStroke’s head.
Claude VonStroke continues to keep things fresh and I couldn’t be more excited to grab Urban Animal when it drops next month. Next Friday August 16th Mr. VonStroke will make his debut at Boston’s Ocean Club (with Destructo) [TICKETS] and I can’t picture a better night under the stars. If you’re heading to Electric Zoo Festival over Labor Day weekend make sure to catch Claude VonStroke in the Sunday School Grove, which is the first place I ever saw him three years ago, on Saturday the 31st. Lastly, Claude and his Dirty Birds will be hosting an official Electric Zoo after party at Output in Brooklyn on Saturday the 31st (DETAILS). That’s three chances to see one of the world’s best DJs, in the Northeast, in the next few weeks. You’ll be sorry if you miss him.
*NOTE: Listen to these tracks with bass. If you don’t have any bass you’re missing half the song*
Claude VonStroke – Can’t Wait
Claude VonStroke – The Clapping Track