Minotaur Shock – Qi - Bytes Records | The Electro Review

Minotaur Shock
Qi
Bytes Records
TBR: 29th January


Fresh from the well-known Bristol based music producer is a series of cuts made with a single piece of equipment. The kit in question is the Elekron Digitone Synth, a versatile and well-made box of sonic trickery. Every title on this six-track recording beings with a Q, maybe a reference to the studio dial that changes the tone, every offering shows us how the EDS can manipulate and generate various types of sound. Each of these mixes was created in just one or two takes each, which opens up an ad-lib quality that we may not notice unless told. A real signal of skill, the art-form of digital music creation has been actualised again.


It begins with Qui. Random tuneful bursts of chiming instruments scatter phrases into dancing globules of sound. Wooden and metal hits create a textured rhythmic melody. Then a drum beat begins to staple the atmosphere together. Snare and cymbal work in snappy motions that rumble with kick drum and shaker. New melodious synthesiser tones rise from the main body of sound. Interesting and distorted rings and strings vibrate and twang in neatly observed paragraphs.


Rubbery tones join muffled drumming as the next offering takes control. Smooth and introspective bass wobbles in puddly reflections as short and twinkling lights skit from corner to corner on clouds of warmth. Humming tones dress down behind the foresound which glisten and fill the sponge with textured and oblique subtlety. The bouncing tune wanders through differing angles and lighting effects that either enliven or reduce the accompanying flow. Qat delicately treads over stony ground that shimmers in the evening sunshine.


Qin is next, it unties itself in ribbons of near harmony as splashes of colourful sound decorate abstract shapes. A shaking sensation rises as rhythm tumbles into the mix across a selection of bars. Simple yet interesting, a sudden incoming flux of differing and chomping sounds rushes through and begins to dance. A sudden shift of energy reignites a feeling of movement as slow and dreamy tones continue to run along peacefully behind. Then we're left to admire a solo of bubbling rhythm as the background fades into curtained corners. The levels emerge from the shadows to continue the vibe of enjoyable melody which shifts and evolves as the music progresses.


A spinning-top of bell like sounds revolves and creates a child-like tune which lifts the spirits. A new and quick drumbeat is then thrust in, digital kicks and static infused snare pins and clasps at the notion of rhythm. Bass creeps in the carpet as ding-dong keyboards make blip sounds that shift like sand. Tropical waves bask in the composition of bells that begin to take on a form of steel drums. Then springy and tensile sounds start to chatter like disgruntled roots as the choppy rhythms continue to grind and pulse. Qua takes on several shapes as it progresses through attention grabbing beats and mellow phrases.


A combination of beats and meandering tones overlap and mix as the next number begins to play. Rushing sounds and scoops of kicking bass dish and dive as odd yet homely melodies churn and climb. QCD is rich with layering and counter-active beats which seem too dance and skip as the bars seamlessly barricade the silence. Tinkling synths and funky bass combine as sudden bursts of energetic drumming quick-fire the ingredients with heat.


It ends with Qis. This one brews slowly as dreamy synthesiser gazes outward and inward in equal parts. Playful melodies run along shaped combinations as evocative tones rain with airy redolence. A simple and meaningful bounce soon draws to a close as does the album.


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