The Former Generations of Structure delivers a fluid understanding of restrained electronics tethered to skeletal melodic tendencies. By way of Athens through Detroit, Qebo’s impacting sonic derailment is very much welcomed.
Greece-based Qebo have been at it for over a decade, but have only just recently become (more) active, and we’re thrilled to dissect it. The Former Generations of Structure, according to DetUnd’s Bandcamp page, already lists the cassette version as sold out even before its release date of March 7. No worries though—a digital version, as usual, is available for all.
We’ve mentioned it before, and no detraction from Qebo’s line of organic-electronic audio work, but “Part 2” bares a striking parallel with Autechre’s “Arch Carrier” (LP5, Warp 1998), as did “Talking With Birds” by Architect, Sonic Area and Hologram_ (We Are the Alchemists, Ant-Zen 2015) which also bears a semi-perpendicular resemblance. But what does this all mean? It just goes to show that artists such as Qebo can take these glitch-infused skills and make them their own. Such is the case with “Part 2,” a highlight that continues to evoke hardened electrical tones, blips, clicks and arcane percussive echoes throughout its six-minutes. It comes as no surprise also to see that “Part 1” elicits a similar range of motion/emotion—its rhythmic bursts are restrained and dotted with cyclic data crunching.
It’s clear, at least to these ears, that Qebo understands how to hold back without adding too much detail, and to focus on minimal soundscaping. “Part 4,” for example, contains minimal buzzing effects tethered to a myriad of brush-stroke beats and turbulent extraterrestrial noises. You’ll even find dub-laden elements sizzle their way through tumbling static on “Part 6,” a mind-altering glitch manifest that floats just beneath the surface with its lush bass echoes.
In summary, it’s easy to lose yourself in this eight-piece exp-electronic foundry. Brisk sound-design and complex musical structures are chiseled down to their raw elemental forms. As a result, The Former Generations of Structure delivers a fluid understanding of restrained electronics tethered to skeletal melodic tendencies. By way of Athens through Detroit, Qebo’s impacting sonic derailment is very much welcomed.
The Former Generations of Structure is available on Detroit Underground.
