Quelza – “Origami” EP (Vault Sessions) [December 19, 2024]

As a debut release from Quelza, it’s important to highlight the meaningful relationship he shares with Vault Sessions—a bond cemented over four years as a frequent guest at their events. What began as shared moments on the dance floor developed into a deeper connection rooted in mutual respect between artist and promoter. This dynamic created the perfect environment to not only strengthen their relationship, but also provide a meaningful platform for Quelza to share his work.

The release features four versatile tracks where the French producer takes on what he describes as, exercises: a creative challenge to create music that reflects different characters, all with a clear vision for the dancefloor.

“Funny, Not Really” opens with a deep, Luciferian laugh that immediately grabs your attention—equal parts sinister and humorous. This sets the tone as the listener is drawn into a soundscape driven by an imperious drum machine. The track embarks on a wild journey of controlled chaos, with drums rising and falling, extended rolls and delayed touches creating an insatiable energy. Meanwhile, the ominous laughter continues to dominate the atmosphere, almost mocking the entire soundscape with its dark humour and sarcastic edge. Despite its mechanical construction, the track feels strangely human, evoking both curiosity and disturbance; an intriguingly unique piece.

“Melting Cards” is built on a monumental kick and bass, delivering a driving, wave-like energy that feels deeply danceable. A constant, repetitive timbric element anchors the track, providing a bed for the other components to emerge in Quelza’s distinctive, unconventional style. The atmosphere evolves over time, creating a mysterious, almost enigmatic vibe—a mix of puzzles and scattered mental spaces. His soundscape feels perfectly suited to a dark club, with a familiar yet intriguing fresh character.

“Kraken Maldive” exudes a distinctly ‘technological’ vibe, reminiscent of 1980s science fiction films. Delays sculpt a metallic, almost irregular layer, while precise bleeps bring order to the track’s core. Organic and bionic sounds mix to create a modern techno aesthetic that feels both futuristic and experimental. Through its abstract and emulative sense of associative forms and feelings—forms not yet fully clear in our imagination, but vividly present in our vision—this track offers a bright lens into the evolving narrative of science fiction and its sonic possibilities.

The EP’s final and title track delivers an apotheotic, epic energy. Anchored by a powerful kick and bass, it’s undeniably meant for the dancefloor, yet retains the free-flowing spirit of a drum machine that seems almost alive. The melody unfolds in a continuous stretch, changing directions, evolving and eventually circling back, creating a dynamic and moody atmosphere. Adding to its depth is a sub-layer of warm, indistinct voices that weave through the composition like whispers from another world. These elements blend with flowing waves of sound, lifting the upward melodic particles that seem to dance weightlessly in the air.

-Francisco Barahona

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