Artist: Quivver
Title: Tick Tick
Label: Boz Boz Recordings
By: Andrew Rowland | 28 January 2009
Tracklist:

• A: Barry Jamieson Mix
• B: Original Mix

Quivver "Tick Tick"

There's possibly not too many who would dispute my opinion that Quivver’s album from 2008, 'Dirty Nails and Vapour Trails', was one of the standout albums for that year. Balancing the often tricky task of producing something that appeals to both clubbers and home listeners. Never an easy feat!

'Tick Tick' is the fourth track from the album to see a single release which owes much to the sheer quality that’s present on the album. However, in expressing only a personal opinion here, I would have much preferred to have seen this appear as the third single release, as for me ‘2 Notes & A Beat’ was a touch uninspiring.

The first of the two tracks on offer here, billed as the ‘A side’ is a remix from Barry Jamieson. Known primarily these days for his role as the ever faithful mix engineer for a certain Mr Coe, it could be very easy to forget Barry was once one half of the seminal heavy weight duo Evolution, prior to fulfilling this role. Also later, post ‘Involver’, enjoying further success and critical acclaim under the moniker ‘Weird Continental Types’ on Bedrock Records and on further collaborations with the likes of American artist Bill Hamel. 

Barry’s remix kicks off with a sparser feel to the mix in comparison to Quivver’s original. He essentially changes the feel of the original making it a lazier, almost laid-back affair. This is aided also, by the incorporation, of a new slightly quirky melody motif. The remix then unfolds from this into a rather twisted up acid fest, driven along by some fine TB303 driven acid lines.

’Side B’ is Quivver’s own long player version of ‘Tick Tick’. This feels a slight let down and the package could have been served better by another remix here. Having said that the original is nothing short of fierce! A real stonker of a peak time track, the likes of which we almost take for granted these days from John Graham, such is his consistency in delivering these sorts of dance floor moments. Constructed from the offing around a mesh of tight percussive rhythms, it’s not long before the track develops into a driving dirty house ride laden with dub elements, a rolling bassline, synth washes and a healthy dose of effects trickery. Listen closely and the depth of the assembled layers is nothing short of awe inspiring!

If you’ve been in possession of the album for some time, it's best left judging this package solely on the strength of the remix alone. It offers something a little different and it’s hard to fault its quality. The original is here more as an advert for anyone that hasn’t also added the album to their music collection. For you, this should really be added to your New Year’s list of places to visit and experience in 2009!