Comprising Marco Simioni, Mattero Mazreku, and Francesco Pio Nitti, Qualia are a group of Italian producers who have never met in person. Having previously released records on Detroit Underground and fellow Utrecht label 030303 between them they arrive on U-Trax in April with their eponymous EP of four deep tracks taking influence from a range of genres, including acid-techno, ambient, noise, and beyond.
Leading the release, ‘Perception’ brings beautiful strings, funky 808 drums and acid tones for a deep and moving opener. Stretched across the A2 is the ambient bliss of ‘VV Cephei A’, which brings Boards of Canada-esque drones and tones.
On the flip, the title track ‘Qualia’ brings a headsy does of braindance to the mix, recalling the early experiments of Aphex Twin with merciless 303 squelches and distant reverberations. Closing track ‘Until I Break Apart’ leads with dark, moody strings before a pounding kick introduces a stark tempo shift before deep ambient atmospheres engulf the final minutes.
Qualia’s ‘Qualia EP’ drops via U-Trax on 15th April 2022
Tracklist:
A1 – Perception
A2 – VV Cephei A
B1 – Qualia
B2 – Until I Break Apart
All tracks mastered by Thee J Johanz of Bally Hoo Mastering Studio.
Graphic design by Marieke Botterman for Botterman Ontwerp.