GODSEND REVIEWS : Q

Qntal - "Illuminate" CD - An odd and fairly engaging mix of medieval vocal sounds and modern electro/wave/dance pop. QNTAL, fronted by the operatic and lovely vox of Syra, find a refreshing balance between Celtic-influenced sounds and the insistent, thumping beat of futurepop. There are a few moments of moody atmospheric textures, as in the enticing and elegant 'El Sendero Hacia Montserrat', which pulses along in a tone not unlike the finer moments of DELERIUM. But overall, it's a heavily-rhythmic excursion accented by a really cool and exotic vocalist and a taste for the Middle Ages, which you don't hear every day. An enjoyable release. (Dancing Ferret)

Quatermass-Coolie Joolie CS-Good, cool techno grooves in the realm of MEAT BEAT. This could definitely hold its own on any dancefloor, and assuredly deserves CD release. (IMMP)

Daniel Patrick Quinn - "Severed From The Land" CDR - This release of off-kilter avante-pop by Scotland-based Quinn is a whimsical little ride into a world that is both lovely, lively, literate and a little bit awkward. Quinn's spoken conversations in 'Nine Standards Rigg' are engrossing and somehow poetic, whereas the vocal sung-parts are a slight bit off-putting. This is art-pop as recorded solo in an Edinburgh bedroom, rendering regards for stuff like the stylish work of ENO or CALE. Unique and actually quite nicely-done music using a variety of sounds and instruments. Impressive, worldly, and something far out of the ordinary. (Suilven Recordings)

Daniel Patrick Quinn & Beano Jameson - "Dunstanburgh Castle" CDR - This 4-song collab from these Scottish lads eschews the vocals that seemed to mar Quinn's previous solo work. Instead, we have some really warm and inviting ambient tones that harken back to the halcyon days of ENO's imaginary landscapes. 'Death On The Ridge Road' is a stark and dirgelike piece of affecting melodic ambience that could even please fans of the darkly literate World Serpent set. A rather wonderous little EP here that gently evokes mood and, oddly, a sense of detached contentment. (Suilven Recordings)

Daniel Patrick Quinn - "Ridin' The Stang" CD - The latest 8-track release from Scottish bedroom-ambient-folkie Quinn is a fine work joining narrative tone-poetry ('The Burryman', featuring drunken rambling by 60-year old Duncan Grahl) with experimental soundscapes and classical folk elements. 'Ridin' The Stang' is a highly visual soundtrack that really echoes the vibes of the rural UK landscape where it was recorded. An enjoyable trip and something quite different. (Suilven)