Est. 2003

Text in englischer Sprache verfügbar

As garage’s skippy, effervescent flame continues to burn bright in 2022, few have borne the torch quite like DJ Q. 23rd September marks the release of the Huddersfield native’s newest addition to a prolific and fruitful catalog amassed over a career spanning almost 20 years. Est. 2003 sees the producer at the height of his powers, with a kaleidoscopic 11-track foray into all things UKG, bassline and R&G. From one legend to another, he enlists the rarefied chops of Shola Ama and of UKG’s favorite uncle, Todd Edwards. Bushy-tailed confederates Finn, Hans Glader, Star.One, Sharda and Lily McKenzie also feature. Devoted undercroft raver or Beefa beach wedding basher, there’s something in here for everyone’s taste.

Sporadic, pitchy chops and razor-sharp bell stabs peal across zippy snare rolls in opener, ‘Pipe Dreams’ - a 2-step groover concocted in tandem with Los Angeles’ Hans Glader. His sound is peppered all over ‘Thief in the Night’, later on in the album, where pumping vocals and glitchy incidentals bring a quintessentially West Coast flavour to the mix. This golden combination is only elevated with the addition of Shola Ama on ‘I Can’t Stay’, whose silky chords are supported by more pinpoint production from the duo - a rosy flashback to the halcyon noughties, with a refined twenties twist.

True to form, the dance-floor hitters are sprinkled throughout: ‘I Couldn’t See’, ‘Speedy Gs’ (with Finn) and in particular, ‘Heavy Like Lead’ (with Sharda), the heat of which will undoubtedly steam up the frostiest of northern basements in the coming months. Q then brings in Todd Edwards and his sprightly, suave bounce for ’Sweet Day’ - a peppy 4/4 number with a playful, meandering bassline. Sugary treats galore on this release. © Finn Kverndal/Qobuz