Bourbonese Qualk – Knee Jerk Reaction EP

a1 + b2

really good tracks. get it if you can.

No track list is given for this EP, but the opening track repeats the phrase "Digital Delay" until it worms it's way into your mind. This is a hard & hypnotic track, driving & persistant, keen on keeping it's victims writhing helplessly on the dance floor. They use certain devices last heard on Acid House records, cynically exploiting them to their own ends. The density of mix is similar to SCAREMONGER's, suggesting a label sound even in evidence of only two tracks. The next piece, we'll call it "Aid Control", again used blatant Acid House FX in such a way that it actually turns out sounding unique. Underlying synth reminds me of the 'sketch theme' from "Naked Video" - a Bassline grizzle of bubbling sound. Side two opens with a track which might have escaped from the Maximum Security confines of HUMAN LEAGUE's "Dignity Of Labour" EP, donned 90's garb & has melded an earlier, more experimental (dare I say it - Analog) sound with up-to-the-minute technology in a computer-logic Techno-Speak fidgety dance theme. Last track on the EP is a more mellow piece with a sound like the non-vocal version of "Something Came Over Me" on "Heathen Earth", again given a modern wash-and-brush-up, couming out as a mild, warm, flowing piece of music - atmospheric in it's billowing waves of electronic sound.
I'm no expert on BOURBONESE QUALK & their sound, but this is a quantum leap towards commerciality from the "My Government Is My Soul" LP, which had a rawness of SONIC VIOLENCE set against the pseudo jungles of TALKING HEADS. Now, in 1993, the have followed the footsteps of CABARET VOLTAIRE onto the Acid & sweat dance floors, an the transition has probably done them less lasting harm - they're commercial, yes, but keep a closed expression of dignity & gravity.

Originally reviewed for Soft Watch.