Q-Burns Abstract Message - Chainsaw (Eight Tracks)

Q-Burns Abstract Message is one of few producers that ‘thrive on blurring the boundary between eclectic experimenter and populist ass-shaker’. The globe-trotting DJ has spent two decades developing a sound that is very electronic yet oozes soul and funk.

Eight Tracks Recordings is an underground music label rising from the steamy jungles of Florida, who have specialised in ’strange sounds that you can dance to’ since 2006. It is house music, but with a twist.

Artist: Q-Burns Abstract Message
Release Title: Chainsaw EP
Label: Eight Tracks Recordings

1) Chainsaw (Analog Version)
2) Chainsaw (Ajello Remix)
3) Chainsaw (Loose Version)
4) Chainsaw (Jota Wagner Remix)
5) Chainsaw (Balearic Version)

Official release date: April 2010

The Analog Version, recorded with almost entirely with vintage hardware, has a great bumpy groove, along with bouncing bassline and mechanical bleeps. A real nice twist on electronic house music that will straddle several sub-genres. Italian Duo Ajello serve up a remix with some smooth elements and yet also bring the strings and sweeps piercing forwards for more of a ‘big-room’ feel. Q-BAM adds a Loose Version with a stripped back vibe. Smooth percussion and subtle filters on the synths and keys create a chilled Italo-Disco kind of vibe, and the deep chugging groove makes this my favourite of the EP. Jota Wagner takes things a bit spooky, with stutters and stabs of the main chords, whilst the spaced-out swirl effects create a frenzy. Erie samples and more effects loop around until finally the familiar bassline filters down and the groove creeps in, suggesting a feeling of relief as the deep chords bring the track home. Finally, Q-BAM wraps up with a Balearic Version, which does just what it says on the tin: sparkling acoustic guitar flicks and classic piano chord changes compliment shuffling percussion and will instantly transport your mind to a Mediterranean beach bar of your choice.

Rating: 8.5/10

Q-Burns Abstract Message
Eight Tracks

Lee Jarvis.