Bluba Lu - Quadrotopia

Quadrotopia is a showcase of yet more of Bluba Lu’s outstanding, alternative chillout music. The Bulgarian duo have not just delivered one magnificent CD of tracks - this package comes with an extra 11-track CD with remixes of the album. Quadrotopia Remixed’ sees Koka play around with Bluba’s original tracks- with the help of Drum Kid (aka Ivan Shopov, who also goes by the name of Balkansky) - twisting them into minimal dub masterpieces.
 
The first CD continues on Bluba’s yearning, jazz-infused trip-hop mission. The first track, The One, sees Dimpas’ distorted vocals whine over the drifting guitars and soul vocal harmonies. This album introduction sets the scene in a light-metal trance, but It Comes soon returns you back to Bluba Lu’s roots. The piano comes through with its melancholic chords accompanied by the soft percussion, and the chorus sees vocal screams in the same frequency as Axl Rose, which stand out against the smooth whispers throughout the verses, drifting over the orchestral accompaniments.
 
Monetary Slave and Mr. Architect introduce a number of Bluba Lu’s contributors. These two jazz-funk tracks mix the usual jazz-duo of piano and brass, but layer them with chilled percussion and alienated synths - the brass uplifting the melancholy of the piano and strings. However, unlike Monetary Slave’s soul vocals, Mr. Architect insists on talking over the track with an entrancing Bulgarian accent, giving more of a swing to the song. The brass, female vocals, strings and orchestral accompaniments on the tracks are all thanks to outside contributers- adding layer upon layer to build the tracks up to Bluba’s standards.
 
Unlike other out-there artists, Bluba Lu’s tracks do exactly what they say in the titles. Time Over  samples ticking clocks and bleeping alarms over a saddened piano and deep Bulgarian vocals, creating what can only be described as ‘dark’ chillout. Sleepless Life insists on putting you to sleep with its psychadelia which glows behind sweet vocals - a mix between Amy Winehouse and Alicia Keys. Pure Love warms you right through with its sexy female vocals and sweet harmonies.
 
The second CD, Quadrotopia Remixed, twists chillout with minimal-house and dub as electro beats uplift the track, bringing them into a futuristic way. Drum & bass is also brought into the mix, as seen in the 30,000 Days remix - the soft soul vocals float perfectly above the quick-paced drum beats. Although people hear the words ‘drum and bass’ and immediately think ‘party-time!’, the bass on this track is tuned down to maintain the chilled vibe which Bluba are infamous for. The remixed CD has hints of Jamiroquai with his modern funk grooves, but remains unique as they maintain their chilled vibe whilst incorporating the different genres to create the ultimate psychadelic trip-hop journey.