Quatermix

Quatermix is a sampler that is not a sampler. The track selection goes back a few years and includes cuts previously unreleased. Furthermore, it is presented in the form of a DJ mix, thus enhancing the listenability of the CD while playing down the personality of each track. Faskil mixes the tracks gradually, often introducing elements from the next tune as early as midway into the current one. His artistry results in a mellow, free-flowing disc, but in the process some cuts are given a new identity that can be misleading (Komet's "Eist" and To Rococo Rot's "glas.main" are two cases in point). There is also a clumsy transition between David Morley's untitled cool techno track and Lena's dub "Lane" -- dance through the shift and you'll trip. Otherwise, Quatermix is a fine set of IDM. The new tracks from Jan Jelinek, Mash'ta, and Electric Birds pop up through familiar tunes by the aforementioned plus Nodern, BNG, Gez Varley, Andrea Parker, DJ Wally, Shakeyface, and Fibla. The last few cuts move away from pure electronica to brush elbows with DJing and hip-hop (Spectre's "Skrippin'" features Sensational and Guess rapping over a thumping beat and mad free jazz piano clusters). Even if you already own many Quatermass titles, you could have a good time here. If you don't, it makes a good point of entry into the catalog of this Belgian IDM label -- just don't take the separate tracks at face value. ~ Francois Couture