REVIEW: COLA REN - Forest Drone EP [QEONE]
In today's bustling music scene, where reinvention is constant, having a distinct and recognizable style can set a label or artist apart. Founded nearly two years ago by the innovative Polygonia, QEONE has developed a reputation for its intricate rhythmic journeys, occasionally bordering on esoteric explorations that connect percussive complexity with pristine synth layers. This fine-tuned aesthetic remains undiluted in the label's latest offering, "Forest Drone" EP crafted by rising Chinese producer COLA REN. Through four meticulously produced tracks, this EP traverses a varied terrain of downtempo, breakbeat, and ambient genres, each laced with a unique groove and atmosphere.
"Firefly" opens with an inviting interplay of mellow halftime beats and cascading cosmic sequences. The warm, analog-style pads juxtapose elegantly with crystal-clear percussion, creating a dynamic that could be compared to the sensation of meandering through a bustling city at dusk. During the track's breakdown, the halftime rhythm pauses momentarily—like a firefly resting its wings—before diving into a resplendent trip-hop groove reminiscent of Bristol's golden era. This transition feels like an initiation into a new urban landscape that is gritty yet pulsating with untapped possibilities. Every beat narrates a part of a story: the initial travel, the settling in, and finally, the vibrant dance of living in a newfound urban jungle.
Continuing the journey, "Forest Drone" mirrors the thematic intricacies of "Firefly," featuring an initial FM synth sequence that soon accelerates into a brisk, broken-tempo groove. Wooden percussions and sampled vocals introduce a primal, almost shamanic ambiance, emulating the cadence of an ancient forest ritual. It's as if you're witnessing a ceremonial dance beneath a canopy of mystical trees, with each percussion hit acting as a communal heartbeat. The piercing cosmic synth sequence juxtaposed against this primal backdrop transforms the soundscape into an otherworldly experience bordering on surrealism. "Forest Drone" feels like a convergence of two realms, earthly and celestial, spiraling together in a nocturnal dance.
"Lost in Bamboos" greets you like the first light of dawn following the nocturnal ritual of "Forest Drone." The track begins with an uplifting arrangement of echoing bamboo chimes and high-pitched crystalline percussions. This far-eastern ambiance melds seamlessly with chuggy bass hits and catchy shakers, evoking the imagery of running euphorically through a bamboo forest, arms aloft and spirits high. Here, the producer masterfully pairs the serenity of the eastern landscape with the energy of urban artistry. It's an exhilarating auditory sprint back to the edge of civilization, rejuvenated and hopeful for what lies ahead.
And so we reach the EP's apex - "Dusk Piper," a track that wears the badge of an urban epic. From the outset, the classic UK bass groove commands attention, like neon lights flickering to life at the onset of twilight. As the mysterious, slightly sinister melody overlays the groove, supported by hypnotic percussions, "Dusk Piper" epitomizes the electric vibe of city nightlife. It's the sort of track that beckons you to take it home after the night's end, replaying its infectious melody in the quieter hours, contemplating the night's adventures. With its compelling energy, "Dusk Piper" is the perfect track to conclude this multifaceted auditory saga.
The "Forest Drone" EP by COLA REN seamlessly blends rhythmic diversity and atmospheric subtlety, evidence of an intelligent and deliberate creative process. Each of the four tracks boasts a distinctive groove and tempo, yet they flow into one another with remarkable cohesion. QEONE's reputation for intricate, rhythmically adventurous releases is upheld and expanded through this EP. It offers a sophisticated narrative with elements that bridge the familiar and the exotic, the urban and the primal.
The "Forest Drone" EP will be released on May 24 and is available for pre-order via the label's Bandcamp page.