Space Dimension Controller - TQN005

18 Apr

Since the blockbuster release of the love quadrant in 2009, Space Dimension Controller's catalogue has become more storied, with notable releases on the legendary R&S records, Hyperdub and Ninjatune, to name a few. Fast forward to 2023 and several previous outings on Tiraquon Recordings later, Space Dimension Controller is back with the 5th instalment on the imprint TQN005 (2023). Hot off the press, this three-track heater combines elements of drum science, IDM, Glitch, and funk into a soup of style and substance. Produced by Ireland's own, TQN005 is a mind-melting fusion of psychedelic rhythms and experiments in tone, all in service of the dance floor.

The TQN005 EP reminds me of all the more obscure electronic music. The record has a plunderphonics aspect as the samples are nestled between dusty lo-fi and crisp live-performed jazz kits. These interesting drum sounds magnetised me to the record. To begin with, its first track, 'Big Shoe NRG' comes charging out the gate with a chaotic Brazilian jazz groove. Incorporating different shakers, wooden instruments, drums, and percussion makes for incredible rhythmic energy, and I will still lift the track. It's that necessary high-frequency content there to make you dance. Space Dimension Controller also found a way to push the boundaries of this one because of the percussive synth line we're treated to. It descends in speed and pitch, giving it a slowing-down effect. It constantly clacks between the off-beat, totally independent of the track around it, creating this crazy motif. Every single time this technique is used is slightly different. As the track progresses, notice many more intricacies in the rhythms hidden in the drums, which is true for all three tracks. For example, 'Gib 3000’ embraces more of a glitch aesthetic reminiscent of Aphex Twin. Space Dimension Controller can keep audiences guessing by layering complex rhythms over each other, cutting between them whenever necessary. In comparison, 'SESQ1Beat' has the least adventurous rhythms; instead, the syncopated funk bassline that grooves low end keeps a track moving.

The sound design on the EP is really quite interesting, especially when delving into the glitching layers of 'Gib 3000'. I said before it's very glitchy, but that only tells half the story. First is the minimum room that combines sounds, harsh physical clipping that sounds like rubber being squeezed through a potato ricer and played through broken speakers to add to the low-end distortion. As bad as it sounds, it's something rather enjoyable in context. 'Gib 3000' works on several different levels. We first have the drums and glitches quite in-your-face and central, but we also have these gurgling, throaty, percussive sounds between the drums' off-beat spaces adding depth to the track. Lastly, on top, these beautiful chords come in very sparingly. 'SESQ1 Beat' relies heavily on distortion. The kick, clap, and bassline sound as though they're crunchy 8-bit. This sounds incredibly rough but adds so much character to the track. They sit perfectly alongside these stylish and sexy chords you expect on a Space Dimension Controller record. These chords pop up all over the record. They're silky and ethereal and help balance the tracks. 'Big Shoes NRG' text message stylistic use from the electronica genre incredibly human approach to electronic music; think Royksopp, Four Tet and Boards of Canada.

TQN005 Is a tour de force of incredible electronic music production. Not only does it capture the imagination with dense rhythms and wild flourishes. It aims to excite the soul. So it could be dark, moody or unrelenting like other dance tracks. Instead, it's pretty chilled out. It manages to capture house music energy. It's a romp, for the most part. Space Dimension Controller delivers a fantastic record.

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