Hello. Exciting stuff has been happening here at Stranger Collective which means we need to make a glut of changes to our website.
Things are starting to take shape, but until we're ready to share what it's all about please feel free to look around the existing website. You'll be able to find out more about where the Collective has come from, what we've been up to over the last eight years and where we're headed.
Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno is the latest in the constantly evolving series of musical outings from the unstoppable Will Hollandon the Tru Thoughts label.
Unmistakably Quantic, but with emphasis on reggae inspired sounds, "Death Of The Revolution" is sizzling with summer heat and tropical influences. As with 'Tropidelico' - Holland's last album with The Quantic Soul Orchestra - his move to Columbia has given it an authentic, irresistibly exotic air.
As well as the reggae/dub vibe, tracks are mainly built on hip hop beats - with Holland in multi-instrumentalist mode, playing piano, guitar, accordion and a range of traditional Columbian instruments.
More a progression than a change of direction, inspiration for the album came from mid-70s dub albums by Don Drummond and Bull Wackies; and Columbian artists like Pedro Laza and Michi Sarmiento.
Predominantly instrumental, it's full of surprises - with an array of different instruments, vocal flourishes,infectious guitar and piano hooks, and a laid-back but quirky feel.
Debut single "Cuidad Del Swing" has a catchy piano hook laid over a funky tropadelic break that whisks you off in its jaunty wake. An alternate version offers a different take, with horns galore taking over where the original featured guitar and piano trills. "Mi Chocolatina" and "Westbound Train" have a spine-tingling, cinematic quality.
While this probably won't rate as his best album, it is surprisingly addictive, and a warmly welcome addition to anyone familiar with the delights and sheer variety of modern Colombian music.
If you're a fan of Will Holland's work or for that matter good instrumental hip hop breaks - then this one is for your collection. He's made a great album to while away summer evenings to. Now if only he could do something about the summers!(Miles Taylor)
Recommended Tracks:
Track 1 - Death Of The Revolution
Track 4 - Ciudad Del Swing
Track 10 - Juanita Bonita
Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno is the latest in the constantly evolving series of musical outings from the unstoppable Will Hollandon the Tru Thoughts label.
