Considering his back catalogue of over 80 EPs and albums, Los Angeles' John Tejada may be one of the most consistent producers working in electronic music. While he doesn't take many big risks, his prolificacy has paid off in consistency; even his EPs are filled with meticulously crafted gems.
On Lakewood Drive, Tejada weaves supple synth lines and tasteful melodies that drift and disappear with functional percussion that never feels heavy-handed. He opens his latest release for Cologne's Kompakt with "Cascade," which he anchors with a steady kick and sharp hi-hat pattern before subtle acid lines slither in and out of the mix. "Integrator" wastes no time getting down to business, with a sub-bass that swallows up the low end while he a malleable melody line helps carry the weight.
Title track "Lakewood Drive" picks up that similar sub-bass driven vibe, but feels much more urgent than the other two cuts on the EP. Even without the video by Clément Oberto, which takes a rapid cut approach to the neighbourhoods of East L.A., "Lakewood Drive" captures the vibe of a city that is sprawling, yet tightly wound in places.
(Kompakt)On Lakewood Drive, Tejada weaves supple synth lines and tasteful melodies that drift and disappear with functional percussion that never feels heavy-handed. He opens his latest release for Cologne's Kompakt with "Cascade," which he anchors with a steady kick and sharp hi-hat pattern before subtle acid lines slither in and out of the mix. "Integrator" wastes no time getting down to business, with a sub-bass that swallows up the low end while he a malleable melody line helps carry the weight.
Title track "Lakewood Drive" picks up that similar sub-bass driven vibe, but feels much more urgent than the other two cuts on the EP. Even without the video by Clément Oberto, which takes a rapid cut approach to the neighbourhoods of East L.A., "Lakewood Drive" captures the vibe of a city that is sprawling, yet tightly wound in places.