W: Leon Judge
"Where technical sophistication meets a human pulse; technology reimagined as a bridge to connection."
Quarteen, the latest project from UK producer and performer Bb, carries the rhythmic DNA of a seasoned musician whose pedigree includes drumming for Mercury Prize nominees Maps and indie staples Silver Arm. This background in live performance grounds the electronic experimentation of the project, providing a human pulse to its digital architecture. The transition from a collaborative ensemble member to a solo visionary allows Bb to channel years of technical expertise into a singular, cohesive aesthetic that feels both technically sophisticated and deeply personal.
The standout track, "Locus Eaters," functions as a sonic manifesto for this new direction, appearing like a transmission from a parallel reality. It reimagines modern production through the utopian lens of the Whole Earth Catalog, weaving a soundscape that is inherently communal and "curious to the core." Rather than the cold isolation often found in electronic music, the track feels open and self-made, suggesting a world where technology serves as a bridge to connection rather than a barrier. It is a refreshing, optimistic exploration of what happens when machine-made music is infused with a spirit of collective discovery.