Quenum is a key player in the techno scene, with releases spread across various labels including Contexterrior, Crosstown Rebels, Orac, Trapez, and Toys for Boys. After finding praise throughout 1996 for founding Acess58, Quenum went on to set up the vastly successful label Cadenza alongside Luciano.
Quenum now offers us his Face To Face EP, something of a teaser for the upcoming debut album Face To Face set to come out in November on Serialism. The EP is an opportunity for Quenum to display his melancholic sound across two of the upcoming album tracks as well as a strong remix from widely-respected DJ and producer Cassy Britton.
The EP opens up with title track "Face To Face", which pulls you straight into a strong groove using reversed kicks and thick snares just before drenching you in a rumbling four-to-the-floor bass. Scattered amongst Quenum's rhythmically complex style are clever nuances that transport the track to some interesting places whilst lightly dusting a soulful vocal sample throughout.
The second offering is "5 AM", a melodic electronic composition with an arrangement reminiscent of Four Tet. It gradually fades between sections and pulls you further into an uplifting soundscape pushed forward by beautiful claps and ride patterns. Last but certainly not least is an incredibly strong remix from Cassy Britton, taking Quenum's production to a totally different place. Phased hi-hat patterns and a more organic kick drum sound layered behind the vocal sample create a mesmerizing rhythm whilst using the bass to keep the groove on its feet.
Quenum
Face To Face [EP]
- Serialism
- 2013-11-11
