GONNO, CHIDA — Rrd 30th EP 03

Gonno & Chida – RRD 30th EP 03 opens Real Rock Design’s 30th-anniversary series with a pair of extended cuts that underline the label’s commitment to forward-thinking minimal techno. Catalogued as RRD30003, the 12-inch vinyl arrives on 11 January 2027 and showcases two of Japan’s underground heavyweights, each contributing a ten-minute-plus statement that balances groove and atmosphere. Real Rock Design’s recent output has been anchored by the earlier RRD 30002 from Dott & Rio Kawamoto and the collaborative “Grayhound Revisited – The Sun Also Rises” (RRD 30001) released in 2026. RRD 30003 continues this momentum, positioning itself as the latest chapter in a series that celebrates the label’s three-decade legacy while highlighting the distinct voices of its contributors. Side A features Gonno’s “Bake Sale On Acid”. The track unfolds as a funk-laden minimal groove, its length allowing a gradual build of dub-style effects that tighten the rhythmic focus. The acid element hinted at in the title adds a subtle edge, while the crisp percussion maintains forward motion, making it suitable for both deep-house moments and peak-time intensity. Gonno’s previous appearance on Beyond Records with “I Dont Need Competioner…” (BEYOND001, 2008) demonstrated a similar penchant for extended, evolving structures, and this new cut reinforces that aesthetic within the Real Rock Design framework. Flipping to Side B, Chida delivers “Sparkle”, a track that begins with a heavyweight kick and a bubbling bassline that immediately commands the dancefloor. Luminous pads rise through the progression, shifting the mood from peak-time heat toward a more euphoric, dawn-time ambience. The composition’s arc provides DJs with a versatile tool: it can sustain energy in the latter part of a set or serve as a transitional bridge into more melodic moments. Within the broader context of the artists’ output, Gonno’s contribution aligns with his history of releases on International Feel, Beats In Space and Ostgut Ton, where minimal yet funk-infused productions have become a hallmark. Chida, a pioneer of Tokyo’s underground house scene since the early 1990s, brings that seasoned perspective to the EP, offering a track that feels both rooted in classic house sensibilities and refreshed for contemporary minimal techno settings. For DJs, the record offers two distinct tools. “Bake Sale On Acid” works as a deep-groove anchor, ideal for late-night sets where a hypnotic, slowly evolving groove can dominate the floor. Its length and subtle dub treatment allow for creative mixing and layering. “Sparkle” provides a more immediate impact, with its driving kick and bright tonal elements fitting seamlessly into peak-time peaks or as a climactic moment before a set’s conclusion. Collectors will appreciate the EP’s placement within Real Rock Design’s anniversary narrative and its representation of Japan’s underground production prowess. The release is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of the label’s recent anniversary entries. Its straightforward 12-inch presentation ensures optimal playback fidelity for the extended tracks, catering to both audiophiles and club-oriented DJs who value the tactile and sonic qualities of vinyl. Gonno & Chida – RRD 30th EP 03, Real Rock Design, catalogue RRD30003, 12-inch vinyl, two tracks. Tracklist: A1. Gonno – Bake Sale On Acid B1. Chida – Sparkle