va: q1#1ep
Francisco Espregueira
Q1E2, an Amsterdam-via-Berlin imprint prioritizing "quality first, ego second," presents Q1#1EP, a thrilling various-artists compilation that feels like a sonic expedition to the outer reaches of contemporary club music. This release spotlights a cadre of emerging producers from across the globe, each contributing their unique vision to this snapshot of electronic music's ever-evolving landscape.
Milan's Jack Bags kicks off the journey with the astral deep-dance immersion of "Natural Thing," where zero-gravity synths and dubby percussion meet sensuous vocal fragments drifting like transmissions from a forgotten spacecraft. Bringing the energy back down to earth, Mike Riviera and Marco Ohboy deliver the aptly titled "Euphoria," a rugged, rave-adjacent heater that cleverly reworks classic house and garage elements for the modern dancefloor. Elsewhere, a distinct jazz undercurrent flows through the compilation: Dr. Sud's mesmerizing "Zaffiro" unfolds with intricate percussion and slinking subs, while A Soft Mist Production's "Upside Down Rainbows" settles into smoked-out soulful atmospherics
datSIM then propels us through kaleidoscopic sci-fi spacescapes with the futuristic UK bass reimagining of "Influx," complete with dextrous organ melodies and widescreen atmospherics. The Rabbit Hole provides a surprising closer with "Tail Groove," initially presenting lush lounge piano before morphing into interstellar bass 'n' breaks, enriched by organic cello licks reminiscent of jazz futurists like Photek and LTJ Bukem. Q1#1EP is one of best comps we’ve heard in the last few years - a vibrant portrait of the constant evolution of the modern electronic music scene. Focusing on Q 1st, and E 2nd. Q1#1EP is available on vinyl and digital.