Q-Burns Abstract Message

A dark, foreboding stillness, thick fog through the treetops, a mysterious cabin in the woods, and an ominous force within. This imagery obliquely provided inspiration to Q-BAM for his new debut EP on EIGHT-TRACKS, "Chainsaw." The title refers to a climactic scene in an infamous American low-budget horror movie. Incidentally, it might also reference how Q-BAM almost took a chainsaw to his studio equipment while creating this track. The Analog Version was meant to be recorded almost entirely with vintage hardware but as the session commenced the Juno-106 started sputtering, the tape on the Chorus Echo snapped, the circuits on the ASR-10 gave off an odor like burnt candle wax, and so on.

Circumventing such ghosts in the machinery, this version of "Chainsaw" ends up a rambunctious and quirky house builder complete with filtered beats, a pounding bassline, squelchy guitar hits, and a buzzing chainsaw synth melody. Like many Q-Burns Abstract Message tracks "Chainsaw" sits firmly between several house music micro-genres while affirming the frenzied accident of its creation.

Q-Burns Abstract Message follows this with two radically self-remixed versions. The first, a Loose Version, attempts to take the American fright flick impetus and move it to a more Italian, Argento-inspired location. The tempo is reduced to a lurching slink and some analog remnants are applied, including juicy spring reverb bass stabs. Haunted pianos and spooky synth strings abound. Next, Q-BAM's Balearic Version attempts a resolution; the ending credits theme, perhaps. Here a breezy and vibrant Spanish-guitar led rendition closes out the EP on an uplifting note.

Suddenly, a pair of remixers were selected who were thought to be in tune with "Chainsaw"'s off-kilter motif. The Italian duo Ajello burst forth with a synth-powered disco revelation that takes the sinister overtone and boldly throws it towards the dancefloor. São Paulo's rising house music talent Jota Wagner also tackles the theme with a funky confidence. His steadily evolving remix piles on layers of melody and rhythm, at one point giving way to a demonic cackle. Mysterious business throughout.

Q-Burns Abstract Message's "Chainsaw" introduces a busy year for the seasoned electronic music producer. In addition to his constant stream of remixes and DJ work Q-BAM is currently recording a follow-up EP as well as his long-awaited album project. Keep watching for more to come from Q-Burns Abstract Message and EIGHT-TRACKS. This is the Loose Version here for your listening pleasure. Enjoy.

Q-Burns Abstract Message - "Chainsaw (Loose Version)" by EIGHT-TRACKS