About the Release
Quipu is an adventurous fusion of progressive rock, jazz, psychedelia, funk, space rock and Zeuhl, with Brian Ellis building a dense instrumental sound from guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, horns and other instruments. Rather than relying on external samples, Ellis played the instruments himself and then sampled his own performances, combining an organic, live-played feel with an electronic approach to production. David Hurley of Astra contributes drums to three tracks, while the extended closing piece “Walomendem” draws heavily on the Zeuhl tradition of Magma.
Release Details
Label: Necio Records
Format: 12″ 2LP, 33rpm, 180g
Edition: 300 copies on ‘Sun’ vinyl (yellow and orange marble)
Packaging: Gatefold jacket with double-sided insert
Release date: 2021 (Originally released on CD by Parallax Sounds on 11 April 2011)
Tracklisting
Side A
- Birth
- Canyon Star
Side B
- Count To Ten
- Funeral March
Side C
- Gossamer
- Psaw
Side D
- Walomendem
About the Artist
Brian Ellis is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer from San Diego, California, best known for his work with progressive psychedelic rock band Astra. He has also been involved with Psicomagia and Birth, the latter formed with fellow Astra member Conor Riley, while his solo work spans progressive rock, jazz, funk, psychedelia and electronic music. Ellis often handles multiple instruments and much of the production himself, using the studio as an extension of his instrumental work.