Quell returns with the Tomahawk EP : a slice of 90s sounding house mayhem

Artist : Quell
Title : Tomahawk EP
Label : Music is Love
Cat No : M2022
Release : Out Now
Genre : House

Berlin based artist Quell has had a pretty good run of late. His reputation for no-nonsense, stripped back house and techno has won him an army of underground fans and DJs alike, and this 4 tracker on Music is Love is no exception. Music is Love is a UK record label taking a calculated gamble here with a vinyl only release. The overall feel of this EP is very 90s, and as someone who experienced the sounds and sights of 90s clubland, it comes as a timely reminder of a scene long gone, but never forgotten.

‘Size 7’ gets things underway and quickly were drawn in with  a distorted vocal that gives an edge to the beat. Renowned for his intricate heavy hitting bass lines, Quell pushes forward; the track growing increasingly pressurised before the unrepentant 90’s house chords acts a brief respite from this underground roller of an track.

‘Monolame’ picks up where Size 7 left off. A well executed bass line and clever percussion forms the spine of track which is brimming over with intermittent vocal samples and deep, shimmering chords. Deep dubbed out stabs weave subtly beneath the multi-layered arrangements, which combine superbly together to deliver a brilliant slice of contemporary house music.

Track 3 – ‘Harhead’, leads with fluid percussive rhythms and sequential kick drums. Atmospheric synths whirl and bounce off the dubby, warped stabs while the quickening hi-hats and intricate modulations keep the pace ticking at an ever-unfolding state. Lastly, ‘Where Are They Now’ is a beast of a dark, techno-fused 5am in Berghain kinda of a track. Key stabs dance beside well placed percussion sequences which ebb and flow with a wonderful natural feel over stomping drums and devilish chords. The synths and vocals add further interest, delivering a deep and powerful track with an acid tinged feel.

Pretty great EP from a talented producer. More please!

by Simon

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