Quantic - Tropics EP (2024)

Musical polymath Quantic kicks off a special series of EPs to mark Aus Music's 200th release Canadian vocalist Laura Roy features on one of the singles

You name it, Will Holland has done it. The talented songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and sound engineer has excelled as a solo artist and high-level collaborator over the last 20 years. A creative free spirit who is constantly engaged with his surroundings, he is as likely to serve up unheard wonders from Ethiopia and South America as he is the original sounds of Cumbia, surf guitar and folk, downtempo and dub. His love of club music has manifested on this label before now in the form of his Heaven Or Hell EP back in 2021 and now he returns in fine style.

This EP kicks off a run of four releases from different artists to mark the 200th outing of Will Saul's influential Aus Music. It is an era-defining label that has platformed some of the scene's brightest stars way before they broke out. Since launching in 2006, the label has remained dedicated to releasing club-ready music with a cultured edge from deep and melodic house to the earliest bass-driven post-dubstep fusions. Opener 'Tropics' is a fully live disco workout created by some of New York's best session musicians. The perfect celebratory single kicks off the 200 series with irresistible bounce and funky basslines. Dancing keys overflow with feel-good vibes while the chords have subtle hints of a Marshall Jefferson classic. The stirring 'Born Again' is a lush and sweeping groove packed with exuberant live musicianship, distant cosmic arps and splashing cymbals. Soaring up top are the beautifully pained and emotive vocals of Laura Roy, a Grammy nominated talent who blends 70's folk and 90's r&b into her own style. After the instrumental version comes closer 'Japanese Knives' with its paddy kick drums and organic hits, tumbling fills and heart-warming chord work. It's a classy house vibe for cosy and loved-up 'floors.