Los Angeles based composer, producer, and sound engineer Jared Carrigan explores a vast array of sounds under different monikers. Whether recording solo or collaborating as V. Kristoff, Congo River Club House, Freaks of Nature, Easy Rider, to name a few, Carrigan’s sound encompasses ambient, techno, experimental noise, and jangly guitar pop. Under his long running René Najera alias, Carrigan is set to release his debut vinyl full length as René Najera, Painted Life, via California’s 100% Silk. As the co-founder of Jungle Gym Records along with Caleb Dravier, Carrigan was based in Seattle prior to heading down I-5 to his current home base. The adventurous spirit never wavered, whether it reflected mossy rainforests or sunny desert vistas.
Painted Life comprises eight tracks of laid back house that glide effortlessly along dreamy keys, spaced out rhythms, and contributions from several excellent collaborators (Leech, Tile Plazas, Precipitation, and Maria Minerva). The album feels both intimate and expansive, “a fusion of club smoke, mood house, psychic acid, and sunrise electronica,” as the label writes. The dreamy house fusion of “Nature’s Veil,” featuring Tokyo based Precipitation, stands out and offers a perfect introduction that invites listeners into the remainder of the record. Slightly off-kilter percussion and claps lay under the bubbling synth lines that glisten the more they take over the mix.
René Najera produced so much material that a compilation cassette, Inner Arrangements, can be purchased along with the vinyl. It is equally loose yet focused, offering an extended coda to an album that will feature heavily on future editions of Electric Waves. With an ear for sounds that will appeal to both DIY, underground circles and home listening techno fans, Painted Life is an exceptional addition to the discographies of Carrigan and 100% Silk.
To learn more:
100% Silk – https://www.facebook.com/100percentsilk
Jared Carrigan website – https://jaredcarrigan.com
Jungle Gym Records – https://junglegymrecords.bandcamp.com
Article by: Jason Cabaniss
Jason hosts Electric Waves, a weekly exploration of electronic dance music from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. It airs Wednesdays from 11 pm – midnight.
