Dukes of Chutney

CAT #: BIS011
November 5, 2013

Dukes of Chutney is John Paul Jones and Dustin Lynn, California born brothers from other cosmic mothers who met surfing over a decade ago.

The flavor of the Dukes’ musical chutney is an abstract but balanced mixture of many disciplines. Under the moniker Tom Croose, Jones’ has established a beguiling production touch to various edits and remixes. Lynn is an accomplished filmmaker who has collaborated with artist Gabriel Orozco and directed campaigns for designers Alexander McQueen and Corto Moltedo.

Domino was conceived over two years during which Jones and Lynn were traveling separately and frequently across multiple countries and continents. From a peyote ceremony in Mexico (chants which can be heard echoing on “You, Me, The Chimp and Acapulco”) to hunting for surf along the Icelandic coast (the cold volcanic drums and distortion of “Jan’s Bellski”), Jones and Lynn hoarded field recordings, found instruments and life altering experiences to later process and navigate in a collaborative capacity.

The first Dukes recording session came together in Sausalito, CA, where Jones and Lynn began blending their globally foraged ingredients into what would become the EP’s closing track “Caledonia”. In the midst of trading demos stemmed from this session, they were introduced to Berlin-based vocalist and performance artist Elle P. Conjuring up a wild combo of Grace Jones, Meredith Monk and Trish Keenan, Elle channels these articulate spirits through her own multi-tracking vocal technique.

Although only virtually acquainted, the creative connection among Jones, Lynn and P was unmistakable. Elle soon contributed her triptych mantras and melodies to each of the dark, psycho-tropical jams Jones and Lynn laid out one after the next. Domino deviates slightly from the dancefloor conventions of the Beats In Space releases before it, but also transports the listener to the most serene and psychedelic catalog setting so far.

Each 12″ from Beats in Space Records features original artwork in considerate and serial form. Domino features artwork by Adam Broomberg & Oliver Chanarin, the London via South Africa duo known for politically challenging and subverting the topical photo medium. The 12″ packaging constructed by Will Work For Good features a removable vinyl BIS logo cling.

Dukes of Chutney’s Domino is available on Beats In Space as a limited edition 12” EP and digitally.