DJ Qu might have been the dancer when Todd L. Burns so neatly defined each of the Underground Quality-affiliated artists last year. But if we're continuing to put them in little boxes, the New Jersey-based producer surely must be termed "the weird one." While Fred P and Levon Vincent's production work seem to have obvious antecedents, Qu puts such a unique stamp on his tunes that it's hard not to wonder where he's getting his inspiration.
For the Beneath is a case in point, showcasing Qu's just off enough to make you look twice house music on both sides. "Secret Place" gets A-side honors, with Qu narrating an erotic tale that seems creepy when placed alongside his out-of-tune piano plinking and crawling drone of a melody. Put someone saying "I want to feel your desire" on a jacking house beat? No problem. Make it sound like the master copy has purposefully been soaking in a plastic bag in your toilet's cistern...
On the flip, "Circuit" dispenses with the subtleties, and gets down to the grimy business of moving the floor. In the hands of a lesser producer, setting out this groove would be enough. But Qu throws in malfunctioning snares, a quick riff that says hello every half-minute or so and also finds time to warp the groove to ensure you're never quite sure where he's going. Fun to dance to, as Qu can likely show you. But also weird to listen to. In other words, top stuff.
For the Beneath is a case in point, showcasing Qu's just off enough to make you look twice house music on both sides. "Secret Place" gets A-side honors, with Qu narrating an erotic tale that seems creepy when placed alongside his out-of-tune piano plinking and crawling drone of a melody. Put someone saying "I want to feel your desire" on a jacking house beat? No problem. Make it sound like the master copy has purposefully been soaking in a plastic bag in your toilet's cistern...
On the flip, "Circuit" dispenses with the subtleties, and gets down to the grimy business of moving the floor. In the hands of a lesser producer, setting out this groove would be enough. But Qu throws in malfunctioning snares, a quick riff that says hello every half-minute or so and also finds time to warp the groove to ensure you're never quite sure where he's going. Fun to dance to, as Qu can likely show you. But also weird to listen to. In other words, top stuff.
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Published /
Wed / 28 Apr 2010 -
Words /
Terrence Fuller -
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Tracklist /
A Secret Place
B Circuit
New York
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