Brighton's Mark Churcher (Chicago Bee, Emote) unveils his new synth alias & LP, 'Funkin'ell' - out now on Emote (vinyl + digital)

Brighton-based Mark Churcher, aka Funkin’ell, brings you Funkin’ell, his self-titled album filled to the brim with sounds we all need in our lives, released on 15^th September on Emote, on vinyl and digital. 

Mark Churcher is vinyl lover, with an impressive collection of electronic music from the late 70s to the early 90s. Inspired by these sounds, he has produced some incredible 12 inchers, including his acid house masterpiece A-Eno-Acid and last year’s experimental and ambient A Nice Random Meet, full of haunting and atmospheric textures. 

For the last two years, Mark Churcher has been running the acclaimed vinyl funk night Funkin’ell in legendary Brighton venues The Hand In Hand and The Bee’s Mouth. Here, he focuses on finding rare gems that you will love, even though you may not have heard them before. A fusion of funk, electronic and world music. Being the accomplished producer that he is, Mark decided to make an album that matches the sounds of his Funkin’ell parties. It’s not easy to categorise as many influences can be heard. But vintage-electronic-synth-funk covers a fair few of the legion of bases. 

The result is a stunning collection of filmic instrumentals, steeped in the spirit of the late 1970s / early 1980s synth music. Think Afternooners by Patrick Cowley, thrown into a top loading washing machine with Chris and Cozy. Add a little ‘Escape From New York’ fabric conditioner and a generous handful of David Bowie washing powder. Mark pulls on these classic threads, becomes Funkin’ell and struts the streets of the South Coast like a style icon. Like the sound of that? Slip Funkin’ell out of the sleeve and play Side A.

Old Spice sets the tone for the whole Funkin’ell LP. The piano line is understatedly funky, the beat is easy and vintage synthesizers whirr and clink, like you are taking K9 for a sunset walk along the iconic seafront, synth seagulls whirling above you. Heavy load, track A2, moves things up whilst remaining laid back funk and Heavy Load increases the tempo as well as the sleaze. 

Fourth track on Side A, Love Exposed leads you into the slightly seedy maze of back alleys and hidden lanes that lurk behind the promenade of Bed and Breakfasts. Funk meets Chris and Cozy, the drum machine claps for beats 8 and 9, setting the scene for the ecstatic, erotic yet slightly unsettling female vocal. Coming Up Cowboy has echoes of early Gary Numan to keep you bouncing up Madeira Drive as the sun sets on Side A. Turn the record over.

The first track on Side B, Tomorrows World is an ambient modular interlude that brings the twilight as you head up the lane into Kemptown. True analogue funk hits your eardrums, unholy arpeggiated synths and a voice whisps disconcertingly down the back of your neck. An American Werewolf in Brighton growls as you approach your destination.

As you walk into the (in)famous institution that is the Hand In Hand, Funkin’ell is already in full swing.  The force ghosts of David Bowie and Patrick Cowley nod approvingly from the bar as second track Funk Pump, B2, does exactly what it says on the label. Its funky, its pumping and so are the punters. Daisy Chain (B3) works into your shoulders and up and down your spine like a synth massage.

The final track, Mystical Journey, is like watching a David Lynch film. On 35mm master. In a vintage cinema. By yourself. Full of brooding bass, the tempo slowed down. As you walk home, classic Machiavellian characters peer from the trees, but they can’t touch you, your sonic adventure is your shield.

Funkin’ell tells us more: “Great pleasure was found in making the LP, creating an electronic juxtaposition between musical power synth cords and analog rumbling soundscapes. intentionally blurring the lines between easy listening and noise.  I’m very pleased with the result. I’ve achieved what I set out to do:  Make a vintage sounding record good enough to play alongside the music I play at Funkin’ell.”

Buy the record, follow @funkinell74 and come along to the next Epic Funkin’ ell night. You’ll love it!

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