| CD $12.00 |
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| Digital |
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| 12" $5.00 |
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Kento Oiwa
Michiko Swiggs
In the unique world of IQU, nothing is certain and everything is permissible; that's the feeling you get upon first entrance into their special sonic universe. Stylistically diverse and tremendously resourceful, IQU is an electronic act on the rise, for their sound is absolutely original, without peer, and continues to perk up the ears of many worldwide.
After 2 years IQU return with their sophomore release Sun Q . With the playful side of electronic music still intact, from K.O.'s virtuosic and operatic theremin playing to Swiggs' talkbox vocals, they solidify Sun Q with a pop sensibilty showcasing beautiful melodies and a strong DIY aesthetic. It's the disco of Moroder, the vocoder funk of Zapp, the eighties breakbeat experiments of Renegade Soundwave and the ambience of Eno. It's a mish mash of sounds and styles that is more radio friendly. It's what you'd expect from IQU and their sophomore release- mining the past for new sounds while creating a sound that's all their own. It's a fresh and engaging experience with each listen.
Village Voice
"Kento Oiwa and Michiko Swiggs make luxurious ambient paintings but slash them up too, nicking the centers with vicious bursts of jarring noises to unsettle you when you are getting too comfy. This description makes IQU seem all ethereal and heady, but their live shows are a truly physical experience..."
VICE
8 Out Of 10
The Stranger - Dave Segal
"There's no doubting these Japanese Americans are still making beautiful music together in the studio, as immersion in Sun Q proves. Mixed by lauded Portland knob twiddler Tony Lash (Tahiti 80, Dandy Warhols, Quasi), the new disc flaunts a glittery patina over its Leftfield disco and Paisley Park funk ensure that a more computerized sound doesn't mean a less swinging sound."
Filter
"With Sun Q, IQU have resurfaced even stronger-arriving at an enchanting sound that's both technically complex and melodically playful-as well as becoming what many Seattle residents believe to be the Northwest's next breakout act."
Blender
4 Out Of 5 STARS
"Multi-instrumentalist beatmakers Kento Oiwa and Michiko Swiggs have replaced the standup bass of their not-quite-as-ambitious 1998 debut with floor-flexing Daft Punk-y kaboom, but what drives these whomping club grooves over the top is their embrace of human imperfection."
