NBR04
OUR man Quantec is nothing if not versatile. An aficionado of many styles including ambient, deep house, Detroit, dub, dubby electronics, experimental and roots reggae, he can turn his hand adeptly across the musical palette. For this his latest release on Neighbour Recordings it’s all about the ‘D’; deep ambient, drone and dub techno that’s dope with a capital ‘D’. Not for nothing is his album titled Journey of Mind. It’s a personal and self-assured trip from first note to last – not surprising for a producer with almost 25 years in the game – drifting as it does through contemplative sonic worlds and ethereal soundscapes. And while the label co-owner’s handiwork here is from the ‘less is more’ school of production, it’s nonetheless big on atmosphere with an undercurrent of drama or melody never too far away. Notable destinations on this journey include Depth of Immersion, Mind Wandering, Motionless and Perfect Stranger. Bon voyage.
NBR03
WE ARE definitely not afraid to switch things up here at Neighbour Recordings. In fact it’s part of our blueprint, our mission statement, our philosophy. And here’s the proof; the Court Vision EP, our latest release from label co-owner Birke TM. For this ‘fresh as’ four-tracker, Birke TM has penned a sonic love letter to the classic drum & bass that is dear to him and the originators who he has the deepest respect for. This is no pastiche though, rather a considered and meticulously-crafted take on and homage to D&B that is stamped with Birke TM’s own deft touches, musical DNA and versatility. From the hypnotic and up-tempo opening cut I Dream Of Jeannie through to the emotions-tugging Eden, the distinctly-soulful tones of Sanctuary and winding down with the meditative Never Lose Touch, there is a deep sensibility running through the entire EP that is the perfect counterbalance to the pacy yet sublime breakbeat.
NBR02
AND so the spotlight pans to Quantec. Having launched Neighbour Recordings with the Life Is Rhythm EP from Base Pilot, the studio collaboration between label owners Birke TM and Quantec, the imprint now turns to the latter for a solo follow-up with the much-experienced artist turning in the tasty Moments EP. A self-confessed lover of old-school synths and their lo-fi beauty and emotion, this child of the Eighties naturally gravitates towards deep, dubby, Detroit-esque vibes and much more besides. You can hear it again in his latest work. The dramatic mesmerising synths of Inception are the most apposite aural appetiser, setting the scene perfectly for the main event and dovetailing snuggly with the dub-flecked deepness of Momentum I and the irresistible drive of the truly dope Nocturne. The pulsating, near-menacing throb of Momentum II explores different territory – that of techno – whilst the spacey, chilled groove of Diurnal is the perfect comedown from the EP’s more heady business.
NBR01
RHYTHM is life and life is rhythm. Not only is it our mantra here at Neighbour Recordings, it's also inspired the title of our debut release from brand-new production partnership and label owners Base Pilot [aka Quantec and Birke TM]. Featuring four original tracks, the Life Is Rhythm EP is a full thirty minutes of dope, low-slung house that perfectly unites the duo’s many years of shared passion for deep electronic music. Identify is the ideal introduction, swirling synths and deceptively hypnotic, it’s a proper crafty cut, whilst Ghosts leans towards a more emotive and subtle groove. Title track Life Is Rhythm is a warm and inviting ten-minute epic of chunky beats, quirky distortion and vocoded vocal snatches, whereas closing number On The Early is seriously heads-down and deep. Repeat after us; rhythm is life and life is rhythm.
