Kangding Ray – Predawn Qualia (Vinyl 12” – Ara)
Genre/Influences: IDM, minimal-electro, experimental-techno.
Background/Info: French artist/producer David Letellier is known as Kangding Ray. He has so far released a considerable number of productions on quality labels Raster-Noton and Stroboscopic Artefacts. Based in Berlin (Germany) he earlier this year launched his own label Ara. This 12” is the first release.
Content: Kangding Ray invites us to join his sophisticated world of IDM where elements such as irregular rhythms, space-like atmospheres and a countless number of little effects are noises are ruling over his work. The work features 3 danceable cuts plus a last atmospheric piece.
+ + + : The sound intelligence and elaborated writing of this artist both remain the keywords to understand the universe of this genius. Kangding Ray is truly a sound wizard which is mixing complexity together with danceable vibes. The songs are carried by sophisticated drum patterns, but in the end the work remains pretty accessible. The maxi features 4 different cuts, which is a good reason to put your finger on this record.
– – – : The complexity might be disturbing for some music lovers preferring linear rhythms. The title song is not my favorite one from the record.
Conclusion: This debut record released on David Letellier’s brand new label is a successful work, which will appeal to lovers of intelligent electronics mixed with great astral atmospheres while driven by danceable vibes!
Best songs: “Orcan Tears”, “Stone Sober Brushstrokes”, “Predawn Qualia”.
Rate: (8).
Artist & Label: https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/kangdingray
About Kangding Ray
Kangding Ray is the recording name of French producer David Letellier, based in Berlin. His back catalogue runs through Raster-Noton, including the 2016 album “Cory Arcane” (his fifth full length on the label), and Stroboscopic Artefacts, where 2017’s “Hyper Opal Mantis” marked his album debut on that label. “Predawn Qualia”, reviewed here, is the first release on Ara, the label Letellier launched himself in 2019.
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