( CHOMP 02 ) CHRIS MUNOZ - Island Rendezvous ( 12" ) Chomp! Chomp!

Chomp! Chomp! is back with second release “Island Rendezvous” featuring Chris Muñoz as his first mini LP under the label. This dynamic all original 5 tracks mini album comes from years of hard work and devotion as a musician, DJ, composer and producer. He is now ready to share some of the yield of his years of dedication and joyfully present his new sonic perceptions.

A long-time New Yorker by way of Houston, Chris Muñoz was part of the downtown disco revival scene in mid-2000s. From being a tour member of The Rapture to DJing at the infamous Passerby and releasing music on Golf Channel Recordings, his Heroes of the Galleon Trade moniker saw support from DJs like Giles Peterson, Andrew Weatherall and DJ Harvey. In the years since he’s gone further down the studio rabbit hole, doing remixes for Spike and Canyons, appearing on Harvey’s Pikes compilation, and collaborating with Eric Duncan. Although it’s been a few years since his last release, Chris’ record for Chomp! Chomp! showcases his talent as a multi- instrumentalist with dynamic tastes in sound.

The record is largely inspired by the beauty and mystery of Hawaii, it starts with “Selsie’s Garden,” an experimentally structured soundscape inspired by a beloved venue in Hawaii. Musically guided by the soft tinges of wind chimes the song is tuned to the Hawaiian pentatonic scale - a seven note scale set to in a defined pattern. The track flows unconventionally mixing Hawaiian slide guitar with electronic sequences for an ambient, relaxed sound bath of sultry sounds. On the track “Island Rendezvous,” wavy, synth lines are intertwined with modern classical piano. Here trippy background vocals underline sultry lead vocals reminiscent of the ethereal pleasures associated with paradise.

The flip side starts with “Big Sam,”a banging, big room dance track, defined by a jacking syncopated bass line, heavy hitting drums, sophisticated orchestral harmonies and an unexpected song ending guitar solo. “Sexican Discoteque” is inspired by late ‘60’s Chicha Libre movement - a psychedelic mixture of latin rhythms, surf, and pop inspired by Peruvian music and featuring a sprinkling of electronic cumbia, rock and sea inspired visions. The dynamic mini LP ends with the deeply personal “Maria Inez,” a song named after Muñoz’s late mother. The emotional ambient track is defined by in depth sequences and underlying harmonies accompanied by hauntingly beautiful Spanish style guitar.

All tracks are mixed by Justin Van Der Volgen and mastered by Rick Essig. Artwork by Yurk.