For those of you, those of you struggling for oxygen due to a bad cause of waiting with bated breath, Lila Dream is not a 303 soaked dancefloor splintering slab. The EP sands down the sharp edges of the Art Mechanical release, leaving smooth sleek lines and broad expanses.
Junq is a rare breed. His output is scant, four EPs in fifteen years. Yet, despite that lack of wax on the shelves, he is a seriously respected electro artist, one trademarked by his use of meandering acid lines. I’ve been involved in more than one conversation about him on nights out and have been met with 12” envy, pun intended, on revealing “Yeah, that From Below track is boss. I’ve got that compilation.” This time, rather than poking the green pools of jealousy, I’m the bearer of good news. Junq has returned, and on a new label no less!
For those of you, those of you struggling for oxygen due to a bad cause of waiting with bated breath, Lila Dream is not a 303 soaked dancefloor splintering slab. The EP sands down the sharp edges of the Art Mechanical release, leaving smooth sleek lines and broad expanses. “Celestial” ventures into the void. A hollow is created into which pulses of beat, cylindrical chords and slender snares are shot. The track has an eerie quality, one accentuated by its frugal elements. “The Planets” is cut from the same astral cloth. Beats drop, gravity pulling them down into double digits, as a melody slowly orbits. The title piece 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. Anyone who’s still holding their breath can enjoy a welcome exhale. There is one acid fiend on here. “Closer” bubbles and boils with acrid squawk, a sharp drum cutting through the thick and viscous liquid pouring from the TB303.
Not only does Lila Dream mark a welcome return to the record shop shelf for Junq, it also marks a new style for the Londoner. Favorite past sounds are present, but so are new ones. Broad plains are on offer and more intimate numbers, alongside some floor buckling action, to make this latest a 12” of very impressive breadth and depth. My advice, get it while you can!
Lila Dream is available on Further Electronix.
