Live Review: PREMIERE: Caitlin Medcalf turns up the heat on 'Gel'

Sydney podcast and now record label Parry Talks is set to drop its debut release this Friday, March 5th, in the form of a VA with tracks contributed by previous podcast guests. It's a who's who of Sydney's dance underground, with the likes of Lex Deluxe, Body Corp, AK Sports, Velodrome's PZ Specialist and AREA CODE all on the bill, as well as turbo queen herself Caitlin Medcalf. Her offering, titled 'Gel', marks a real moment in a compilation absolutely full of them, and it's our honour to premiere this track today.

Medcalf has been a mainstay of not just Sydney dance culture but the nation's dance culture as well, having been an integral part of this very website for many years. From her journey as a subeditor when she was in school to being 2IC to our editor Emma Jones before capably taking over the reigns while also captaining our previous radio show on FBi Radio and being the face of Purple Sneakers DJs for years as well while also carving out her own space as a formidable DJ and budding producer in her own right, Caitlin Medcalf's impact is one of genuine and authentic passion in all that she does. So, it is no surprise her offering for Parry Talks' debut release is second to none as well.

A slow, chugging, 909-tinged heater, 'Gel' is deliberate and commanding. It starts off slow and steady, and ever-so-casually snowballs itself into a thick, sinister and chugging track which bangs in all the right places. Firmly in control, Medcalf only gives you just enough to keep you hanging on, drip-feeding the layers to her creation to showcase impressive restraint and sound design.

Caitlin Medcalf said of the release, "‘Gel’ was originally not intended to be my submission for this V/A, but it was the first track that I really feel like I ‘figured out’. I’m pretty new to producing and a terrible procrastinator, so having a deadline as well as a purpose for this work gave me the energy to get ‘Gel’ over the line. Parry’s been a close friend of mine in this industry for a few years now, and seeing how Parry Talks has evolved under his care has been inspiring to me. I’m honestly just really stoked to be part of this V/A alongside some friends and producers that I have loads of respect for. I’ve been missing dance floors so much throughout this pandemic, and tbh this song is a lot slower than any of the music I like to DJ, but I wanted to create something textural that makes you want to throw a fist in the air. I hope it makes you feel that way too."

Listen to 'Gel' below, and head HERE to pre-order Parry Talks Alumni VA Vol. 1 here (100% of revenue will be donated to Aboriginal Legal Service Redfern).

Words by Emma Jones

Image: Supplied

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

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PARRY TALKS LAUNCHES RECORD LABEL AND ANNOUNCES CHARITY COMPILATION