Quadraphonic amplifier setups were being sold from 1970, the first ever surround sound, using four channels each sending out a signal entirely or partly different from the other, The Q4 take their name from this, the fact that the original four producers lived in four corners of Holland, but now only three members remain, but the fourth is considered the listener, completing the square.
Out of the Netherlands, The Q4 mesh their differing production styles to create something of its own, comprising of Arts The Beatdoctor, Sense and STW, sampling hundreds of obscure records, stripping the samples to almost instrument status, the bare essentials, which when reassembled, create The Q4 sound, a multi-dimensional sound trip through the recesses of unknown films and forgotten soundtracks. Next level mood music, hints of jazz, latin, funk, soul immersed in the shell of hip hop, emanating a feel of real musicians playing in a real place, this is the mastery The Q4 achieve in the studio, the samples flow, the drums are not so tight that they feel artificial, vibes litter the soundscape bringing a very human element to the compositions. Of course it helps that they have some talented players to underpin the sample science, the glue if you like, this is what holds it all together. DJ Genaro adds scratches for the intro, Mick John-Hopkins plays Saxophone, Guido Maat adds warmth with Rhodes, while Cello is supplied by Maciej Stachurski. Guest vocalists include Curra Suarez, Pax, Terryman, Unorthadox and BLS, peppering the predominantly instrumental album with a soul of its own.
As usual with Project Mooncircle, you expect something more, and they always deliver with the luscious artwork, making the tangible product something to lust after, artwork painted by Gordon, who has shown his talents on past releases, often compared to sister label Botanica Del Jibaro’ La Mano Fria, fresh art and design, drawing the consumer back to actually wanting to part with money to own the physical product.
There is more… Released in tandem is a 7†vinyl edition of remixes off the album. Mr Cooper signs off with his last release under the moniker, as he moves further into dupstep territory with new label Project:Squared, “Paul Says Goodbye To Mr Cooper Remix†of “Split Personality†is classic Mr Cooper beat laden instrumental hip hop, a fine way to say goodbye Paul. Dday One remixes “Look Again†on the flipside, ambient washes and sound effects interspersed with his MPC genius, chopped and looped guitars, sax and minimal vocal stabs and spoken word overdubs.
If you’re still unaware of Project Moncircle and its roster of talent, head over to www.projectmooncircle.com for heaps more info, plus some free downloadable mixtapes that ooze nothing but class.
Wayne Stronell
