New Zealand’s QUIX has been on our radar for quite some time. After first impressing us with his filthy ‘Move That Dope’ remix, he’s continued to evolve and improve. Last year we named him one of the top artists pushing trap music forward and with the release of his debut EP he lives up to that spot and more.
Heaps Cool is a 6 track EP that delves into a number of different directions. ‘Four Letter Lie’ balances sultry vocals with slapping sections and upbeat future feels. It’s the perfect balance between a more pop-friendly sound and just the right amount of rawness. ‘Alpaca’ switches the sound as XO Man brings a UK swagger to the track with energetic bars. The production is wonky, weird, hypnotic and hitting.
His first single ‘Riot Call’ comes in at number 3. For those unfamiliar it’s a lovable future anthem that’s primed to dominate festivals all year. ‘Lucy’ s Place’ proves to be one of the most adventurous cuts with sinister sound design and speaker-slaughtering drops. The smooth breaks provide a stellar juxtaposition. Enticing melodies, Rick Ross grunts and cavernous basslines intertwine on ‘Deep Home (Hold Up)’. Closing the project out is ‘Sweet Thing,’ a deathly futuristic capper that feels like a robotic swordfight to the death.
‘Heaps Cool’ is just what the name suggests; an excellently crafted EP that’s simply cool. The variety and creativity packed in the project makes it just as great to listen to as a whole or by breaking the tracks out separately to rinse at your leisure. However you choose to consume it, you’re sure to be impressed. QUIX’s debut project proves that he’s destined to continue getting bigger and better.
