Album Review: Jiangshi EP by Chris Honorat
Chris Honorat’s Jiangshi EP, released in 2014 on A-Traction Records, is a solid entry in the techno and electronic music scene. Hailing from France, Honorat brings a fresh take to the table with this five-track project that blends house and techno styles seamlessly. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s got enough energy and personality to stick in your head.
The title track, “Jiangshi,” kicks things off with a pulsating beat that feels like it could power a late-night warehouse rave. The track’s hypnotic rhythm and subtle melodic layers create a vibe that’s both eerie and danceable—kind of like being chased by a vampire through a strobe-lit club. Weird image, I know, but it fits. What makes “Jiangshi” stand out is how it builds tension without ever feeling overdone. You can tell Honorat knows his way around a synth.
Another standout is “Jiangshi (Emde Remix).” Emde takes the original and flips it into something darker and more brooding. The remix strips back some of the brightness of the original, replacing it with gritty textures and a heavier kick drum. It’s one of those tracks that sneaks up on you—by the time you realize it, you’ve been nodding your head for ten minutes straight.
Tracks like “Yin” and “Yang” round out the EP with a mix of atmospheric vibes and driving beats, though they don’t hit quite as hard as the title track and its remix. Still, they add depth to the project and show Honorat’s range as a producer.
Looking back, Jiangshi EP might not redefine techno or electronic music, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a fun, well-crafted release that delivers exactly what it promises: solid tunes for the dance floor. And honestly, isn’t that enough? Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about an album inspired by Chinese hopping vampires—it’s like techno meets low-budget horror flicks. Not a combo you hear every day.
If you’re into house and techno with a slightly spooky twist, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start hearing footsteps behind you on the dance floor.
