Quinton Barnes - Black Noise

Quinton Barnes is a rapper, singer, producer and songwriter who has been an emerging talent in the Montreal music scene and who is very original in his approach to his work, especially in its statement about our society. His album Black Noise, just released, is nothing short of a truly original work of art which is really pushing open the boundaries of what has been created up to this point within the world of Hip Hop. Quinton's visionary theorising behind the album was to convey black culture and music through the introduction of the concept of artful noise.  The entrance of this work is perfectly timed in a world that is often so lacking in artists with original creativity and real cultural relevance.

With the backing of an assortment of talented free jazz and noise performers collectively named the Black Noise Ensemble, Quinton has fused the world of Avant Garde noise and Hip Hop. This new album includes a collage of sound incorporating a very tasteful fusion of Free Jazz, Funk, R&B, Trip Hop, as well as a finale that verges on the classical.

The album commences with "Black Noise" featuring interesting sound structures via "noise" as well as exquisite Bass Guitar and Drums that eventually make their way into the mix. This is some of the best funk imaginable and Quinton does some very inventive rapping over the top of it. With respect to 'What would Eastman Do?' the listener is transported back to the 60's, the flute-driven R&B and very groovy singing making for a very chilled sound. The song essentially breaks apart into noise as if displaying the reality that the present world we live in is, ultimately very harsh. Fortunately the song concludes with calm resolve, as if there's still hope for change for the better in society. Moving on we have 'Art of Survival', an abrasive yet fascinating piece that engages the listener into a plethora of exquisitely appealing emotions. There's an engine type drone throughout with Quinton declaring his disapproval of the modern world and identifying with the black struggle. Next is 'Black Orpheus' which retains the album's lyrical theme of being influenced by the philosophy of Afro pessimism. With improv Free Jazz, the musicians have created a song very befitting to the meaning behind Quinton's lyrics and what he is trying to depict with this piece. The song 'Sober for the Weekend' very much gives one trip hop vibes and drumming which you might associate with an older Squarepusher release. Furthermore the use of improv Free Jazz horns make it all the more splendid.

'Quiet Noise' is a heartfelt work about love and loss, beautiful in its tranquility with violins and mellow Guitar which sooth the listener towards the album's finale 'Movement 7', a track packed full of wonderfully, quaint classical piano playing that very much reminds me of the gorgeous work of Erik Satie. This, Quinton's reflection; concludes the album by making clear and understandable his plea to the world for freedom as well as the oppression he deals with from being black which will hopefully foster real understanding as a human being.  

Black Noise is a journey through new soundscapes in Hip Hop via some fantastic music that is very original in its appeal. This is an absolutely pivotal work to the hip hop community with Quinton treading brand new fascinating ground, making this both an essential listen and one which will have a lasting impact upon listeners for quite a long time. Highly recommended.

Review by Maxwell Seeman