Music - Part 237 - Go-Qualia/Expensive

Go-Qualia/Expensive – Split EP (Wild Combination Recordings)

CD

Out Now

IDM artist Go-Qualia and electropop trio Expensive release a split EP.

What a great idea Wild Combination have had.  Two artists, two tracks each, with the cd selling for £2.  Can’t say fairer than that in my eyes (and ears).

First up is Go-Qualia, a Japanese sound and visual artist known for his ambient and often IDM styles.   His first contribution here, We’est open simply enough with a bass and rhythm that continues for over seven minutes in a similar vein.  It’s kept from being completely boring by the slow addition of new sounds and beats into an incredible cacophony just over half way through before shedding some of its complications again.  It’s an aural delight my friends.

Second track Seph’Rest is slower in pace, with finger click backing.  Again, the introductions of new sounds is lovely as it too rises and falls with a glittering shimmering continuity.

Expensive (sic) are a little more electropop, but still as inventive.  Low is short but has an intriguing vocal which is either slowed down or just plain weird.  It’s simple and infectious.  A bouncy little number that is more than likely to be put on repeat after you’ve given it a huge cuddle.

The final track from the trio, Real Life is an atmospheric burst which intelligently avoids the urge to speed up until it almost snuggles into a vague trip-hop segue.  Vocals from Grace pour over the flowing backing and blissfully glide along from start to finish.

What a lovely little thing.

8/10

Links
Wild Combination Recordings
Go-Qualia on Soundcloud
Go-Qualia on Twitter
Expensive website
Expensive on Twitter

Published on Louder Than War 19/06/14 - here