- Some productions sound truly electronic—smooth, futuristic, formed by electricity. Others feel like they're made of something more tactile: wood, concrete, sandpaper and so on. Though he's made records of both types, DJ Qu is a master of that second category (much like his friend Levon Vincent). Redtones, the latest EP on his label, Strength Music Recordings, is a trippy, sinister techno 12-inch brought to life by coarse textures.
The title track is as slamming as it is psychedelic. Thick slabs of synth wobble like a drunk trying to sit up straight, dizzyingly out of time with the track's bruising kick drums. "Sweaty One" has the same gravelly production style, but less of a clear hook—a simple, repeating acid lead rings out over its galloping drums, creating a tense and atmospheric DJ tool. "Sadness In The Static" is a beatless sketch that pairs a somber piano loop with a mostly unintelligible vocal recording (one line stands out from the murk: "you'll be my guide, and I'll be yours"). Last October I said DJ Qu is on a roll. A few months later, he's only picked up more momentum.
TracklistA1 Redtones
B1 Sadness In The Static
B2 Sweaty One