Spinner RPM: Voodeux

Posted on Oct 21st 2009 3:00PM by Scott Tomford
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Given that most techno and house songs rely on buildups, suspense and dark rhythms, it was only a matter of time before dance acts opted for a horror theme. Voodeux, the project of James "Kilowatts" Watts and Tanner Ross, might be best describe as "house goes Halloween," so this is the best time of year to check them out. Watts and Ross first met over the Internet many years ago on a site devoted to production and synths, and they've been collaborating electronically ever since.

Though many might consider it a disadvantage to work remotely on music, Ross thinks it's beneficial to the band's spooky aesthetic. "Music to me is all about mood and it is really difficult to project that when there are distractions," he says. "Working remotely allows the music to take its own path." That path so far has been creating a mood of eeriness using club-ready beats combined with oddball cackles, echo-heavy drums and ghostly synths.

While Voodeux have carved out their own aesthetic, their first two releases still sound more than accessible. Both 'The Curses' EP and their recent 'The Paranormal' full-length are likely to make listeners dance rather than fear for their lives, and you couldn't ask for better music to play at a Halloween party. To get your own taste of the Voodeux sound, check out exclusive mix from the duo -- comprised entirely of the band's tracks and remixes -- below.

Download the Voodeux Mix

Setlist
Voodeux, 'Just A Spoonful'
Rodriguez Jr, 'Pina Colada' (Voodeux Brew Mix)
Constar, 'Sunset Tribe' (Voodeux Dusk Mix)
Voodeux, 'Deadend Motel'
Voodeux, 'The Spell'
Voodeux, 'The Curse'
Voodeux, 'Skeleton Key'
Voodeux, 'Bones'