Not only is Junq becoming a more prolific artist, he is also becoming more daring. From his electro roots have sprouted ventures into electronica and techno as breakbeat aspirations bud. That willingness to experiment with drum patterns is clear to hear with Altered State, the British machinist venturing into blacker shades and brighter tones in this well-rounded 12”.
Some things get better with time. Solid axiom. We all know the examples. Could the same be said that some become more productive with time? Generally, no. Statistically, no. The constraints of life tighten as the years pass. At least for the majority of us, Junq seems to be gleefully bucking this trend. Despite having started his music career near two decades ago, the bulk of his discography has come in the late two years. Establishing his own label, Art Mechanical, and the partnership with Furthur Electronix has undoubtedly been a catalyst to this growth with the UK producer returning to the latter for Altered State.
Three tracks make up this offering. From the needle drop it is obvious that a somewhat different route is being taken for the title piece. Daubed basslines are rinsed in science fiction sweeps and amen cracked beats. The opener is not leaned on or rushed, instead space and time are given, it is allowed to develop, to rise and relax across the full A-side. Junq’s undeniable love for the soured squirm of the TB303 bends its way into the piece, bulging and melting hypnotically. That man-machine relationship makes itself immediately known with the molten squelches of “Daylight Never Came.” As the title might indicate, this is a darker work. Distance is maintained throughout, bitter notes bobbing amidst a flotsam and jetsam of metallic currents and stern percussion. The close comes in the squawk soaked “Lysergic.” As throughout the EP, rhythms have a welcome touch of complexity to them and add new layers of interest from which shadowy echoes and swooping keys dive and curve.
Not only is Junq becoming a more prolific artist, he is also becoming more daring. From his electro roots have sprouted ventures into electronica and techno as breakbeat aspirations bud. That willingness to experiment with drum patterns is clear to hear with Altered State, the British machinist venturing into blacker shades and brighter tones in this well-rounded 12”. Another saying. People get more conservative over time. Another axiom Junq clearly doesn’t adhere to.
Altered State is available on Furthur Electronix.
