COG003 collects sounds from Junq’s past, present while it muses on the future. And it’s on the future where the focus will lie.
Back in 2013 I wrote about the debut of Art Mechanical (Junq’s COG001), expressing worries about the chances of survival for this fledgling label. Thankfully, my fears surrounding Junq’s foray into imprint boss were mislaid. After a somewhat stuttering start, pressing delays and mastering issues, Art Mechanical’s third EP is arriving fresh from the plants. Interestingly I’ve recently put fingertip to keyboard on two of these tracks, whether the words hold up we will see. A third I was lucky enough to come across when I was first starting out at Igloo more than a decade ago while the fourth is taken from Junq’s first 12″.
“Closer” bubbles and boils with acrid squawk, a sharp drum cutting through the thick and viscous liquid pouring from the TB303.” The second track is a scorched work. Bitter a cud and guaranteed to blister speaker cones, this is smart and vicious from needle drop to end. “Lila Dreams” comes from a different place. Distances are removed and a techno warmth embraces. Skittering beats dance on lush pads while keys cascade in a piece that harks back to the halcyon days of IDM.” Taken from the EP bearing the same name, the title piece shows another side of side of the multifaceted Junq, a beautiful and delicately crafted work.
I never put words to “From Below,” but I have more than praised this coveted track. Not once, but twice my white label copy of Cultivated Electronics’ coveted second compilation has found itself in my mixes with Junq’s most famous audio assault being the weapon of choice (Removed Mix and We Forfeit Mix#3.) Melting, molten, the track is pure demonic acid joy. A wall of bass is built brick by brick, looming and impenetrable, impenetrable until the wrecking ball of the break arrives and tears all asunder.
The last installement comes in the form of “Stealth Shadows”, a track originally released in 2005 on a split with ADJ. Menace is applied from the outset, clinical currents stalking stark rhythmic patterns. Vocals call from a pool of circuitboards and silicon, guttering half decipherable utterances as a chill wind curls its way through this sci-fi dipped deviant.
COG003 collects sounds from Junq’s past and present as it muses on the future. And it’s on the future where the focus will lie. These previously released tracks will keep the collectors happy, and they should. Brushed aluminium acid, deep introspection, computer calculation and raw angles from a musician who is grabbing new audiences with fresh music and even live performances. What was I worrying about a few years back?
COG003 is available on Art Mechanical.
