REVIEW: “Licker” Sets the Tone for Sugarhouse
WRITTEN BY RILEY HUNT
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Photo by Carlos Alvarez
LA-based electronic artist Sugarhouse heads down a new road with his debut single, “Licker,” out today. Austin Medrano, the heart and soul of Sugarhouse, is a Texas-born producer widely known for his work with Mickey Darling, Andrew Garden, and Dafna. Having built up a reputation for his guitar riffs in the indie genre, Medrano turns the tide to experiment with EDM’s synthesizer riffs.
“Licker” immediately introduces itself with expertly done blends and layers. It draws you in, grabs your attention, and carries you through a tranquilizing atmosphere. An optimistic nostalgia for a brighter time burns through each note and yearns for an energetically warm community. It’s lively and demands movement. The mid-track drop and the preceding build-up deliver the tension and euphoric satisfaction to a level only found in EDM’s greatest. In a genre where it can be difficult to find that initial confidence, Sugarhouse has seemingly done it with ease.
In his own words, “I tried to make house music before, but it wasn’t really clicking. It wasn’t until I went to a DH2 set that I really felt inspired to focus on electronic music again. After that, I heard Daphni’s album Butterfly and was so inspired by his ability to follow original conventions of house music, but make it experimental.”
It’s entirely clear that the musical talent of Medrano carries over from the indie genre and builds on successful experimentation. Yet Sugarhouse remains true to EDM tradition through addictive four-on-the-floor beats and influence from subgenre staples such as disco and rock ‘n’ roll. You’ll instinctively motion towards the “repeat” button, proving impossible not to get pulled under its trance. The track remains classic in its core, but allows exhilarating elements that invoke sentiment and vivacity to seep in. Dancing is officially “in” again, and just in time for this track's release.
With “Licker” being a remarkable first impression, it’s determined that Sugarhouse is a must-listen. Wonderfully enough, this is just the beginning of what Sugarhouse has to offer. After the release of “Licker”, he’ll be performing at Silverlake Lounge in LA on May 27 with alternative disco-punk band garbagebarbie. Such an abundance of talent in one place can only guarantee an unforgettable night of getting lost in the music; missing it would be a tragedy.