Over the past two years, a small group of chipsters from Cincinnati
have been slowly infecting the scene with their quality output. Events such as cartRAGE
cemented them as an enclosed but vastly talented collection of artists. As
their influence became steadily more prominent, AndaruGO joined prolific label
Datathrash as staff, and SSD Engage, an amalgamation of artists SPRY, spOOked and
Disabletron, were booked to play the mega-fest 8static. Hunter, however, always
seemed to be overlooked slightly, but ‘VanitySelector’ appears set
to change that.
HunterQuinn’s music always excels melodically, no more truer
than here; tracks blast hugely emotive phrases, diving through free-form
structures and constantly shifting into stylistic boundaries you’d never
suspect they would. The melodies are so emotive in fact, ‘VanitySelector’
sounds like a monorail through the various states of melancholia. ‘SuperSpire’
reeks of desperation, and the fizzing beats behind the surging emotions fit
perfectly. ‘Selector’ climaxes by dropping into the audio personification of heartbreak,
and ‘RelativeObjectivity’ opens with trance harmonies, lending the track some
dream pop atmosphere whilst an ever-present percussion/bass duopoly thunders through.
Whilst this formula of psyche-destroying melodies coupled
with vicious beats is predominant throughout, its application is flexible. ‘Splicers’
tessellates into subterranean bass dips before riding itself into angular
rave-like melodies, whilst ‘ForeverFaceless’ features boaconstructor basslines
alongside Starscream melodies, running parallel in a simultaneously contradictory
and complimentary manner. It’s that level of expert craftsmanship that has
always set HunterQuinn apart. His music exceeds community standards and is frequently
one step ahead of other programmers, a unique voice in a sea of meaningless shit,
and one that expels much more emotion than should
be possible. Without a single doubt, HunterQuinn is one of the greatest talents
this scene has had, and you’d be a fool to give this album a miss. Or not give him
his well-deserved dues.
Favourite track: RelativeObjectivity
Grab the full release here!
