Quadron (self-titled)
LABEL: Plug Research

Though the golden era of American soul is long dead and gone, the music industry and artists around the globe seem perpetually focused on unearthing potential star after star capable of carrying the torch into the next generation. From blue-eyed soul pouring out of every nook and cranny in the British Isles to a never-ending string of incredible voices graduating from rap hooks to solo debuts in the United States, there’s no shortage of effort to resurrect the genre’s best moments.

Denmark’s Quadron is one of the latest duos to enter the soul revival race but they’ve made it clear on their self-titled debut that gimmicky imitation was definitely not the goal. Their brand of electronic soul is similar in many ways to multiple contemporaries, but to set themselves apart from the pack, they’ve managed to craft a sound that perfectly toes the line of paying homage and pushing the envelope.

“The disc fluctuates from...doo-wop ditties to quiet ballads and confident R&B, but it never hits a sour note.”

The engine driving Quadron is made up of two distinct (and very compelling) parts—Coco Maja Hastrup Karshøj’s honey-dipped vocals and Robin Hannibal’s thoughtful organic/electronic production.

On first listen, it’s Coco’s vocals that seem to steal the show. From big wails on “Unpatience” to pretty doo-wop on “Slippin” and “Pressure,” the listener is left with the impression that she is, ultimately, Quadron.

Subsequent listens break down this conclusion, however, and the Hannibal helmed clean guitar plucking, big saxophone loops and rolling bass and beats expand pleasantly around Coco’s croon, completing the portrait.

If you’re willing to embrace the Danish duo’s take on newfangled soul, Quadron the album will most certainly provide ample listener enjoyment from start to finish. The disc fluctuates from the previously mentioned doo-wop ditties to quiet ballads and confident R&B, but it never hits a sour note.

If one had to pick a single track that will undoubtedly make the general listening public swoon, “Pressure,” would likely be it. It’s a 1960s girl group anthem that would have been great then and is still going to get toes tapping and asses swaying today.

Looking for an excellent set of tunes to melt away the ice of winter and gracefully usher your mind into spring 2010? Look no further than Coco and Robin’s incredibly consistent and elegantly produced Quadron project.


REVIEWED BY ALEC BRINEGAR
ALEC’S FAVE TRACKS: “Average Fruit” • “Jeans” • “Slippin”


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Quadron "Pressure" from Plug Research on Vimeo.