Pharaohs (surprisingly not a surf band, considering their name and proximity to Los Angeles) cover a range of styles on their newest three-track 12-inch for Intercoastal Artists. Epic opener “Manhunter” sounds like the mutant grandchild of no-wave / “Naïve Funk” late-1970s / early-1980s New York City. Think 99 Records, Sleeping Bag or ZE, throw in some Madchester, then tiptoe past Gottsching’s E2-E4, and you’re close. If Arthur Russell (RIP) guested on this track, it wouldn’t be a surprise. The other two cuts are roughly new age, but with one distinction—the filth oozing off the sax on “Nature Lovers” is more shocking and sleazy than any Wolf Eyes track. Of course, shocking in the most serene way possible. That said, either could be a lost backing track to an early Roxy Music album. The only things missing are Bryan Ferry’s voice and Eno’s plummage. File this alongside R&S or Transmat releases, or even Blurt, Pigbag or A Certain Ratio records. More on the nose, listen to this while watching the elevator scene in Drive. Pharaohs feature Alejandro Cohen (co-founder of legendary SoCal radio station / multimedia scenemakers Dublab) and Sam Cooper alongside newest members Diego Herrera (a.k.a. Suzanne Kraft) and Casey Butler (Stellar Rahim). 2013 has already seen a flurry of Pharaohs activity: they garnered high praise for their recently released LP on 100% Silk and 12-inch on ESP, receiving nods from Pitchfork, The Fader, XLR8R, Ad Hoc, and the list continues. Manhunter is by far their furthest step forward. Seriously, these guys are the shit. “Straight acid melt that drips off the disco balls hanging from the smoggy firmament of LA’s crotch” —Impose Magazine “Bunkered between an arrangement of stackable synths, the Pharaohs squad jams workshop-style, an endearing, funky, spirited live-thrive” —100% Silk “Pharaohs plow an unwavering path through the past, taking a route through various strains of dance music that’s unapologetically nostalgist in outlook” —Pitchfork “Blissed-out house music created by robots in the future” —Reliver
