Quantec - uprise/explore / shoreless 00.4,5


 It's good to see yet another label delving into the world of the 3" CDr as in my opinion it's a wonderful format. It has just the right amount of space on it to deliver a real hit - be it ambient, groovy or otherwise. What's really cool about this release is finally getting Sven doing some pure ambient music. Bear in mind that he's a bit of a master of the chord and textural groove, then imagine stripping out the beats and you're getting there. To be fair though the first track, Uprise, is altogether more epic and drone-driven than you might be expecting and it works out so, so well. A moody texture that hits you right it needs to to make an impact is what this is all about andI have to say that there's some real menace in there. But, importantly, it's also beautiful and that's what makes it so fine - this delicate balance between dark and light that never seems to resolve itself throughout the piece. A beautiful work of ambient art. Explore follows and, in some ways, is even more surprising. It uses a more organic tone to convey a sense of happiness and bliss (well, it does to me) with clicks, hisses, pops and crackles all completely intact. I don't know exactly what Sven's been listening to recently but there's an almost, dare I say it, 12k-esque feel to it. It certainly wouldn't feel out of place on a Giuseppe Ielasi album, let's put it that way. It's a lovely track and finishes the EP off in a heart-warming fashion. So, in conclusion this is a splendid piece of work.