Last updated: 6 hours ago
Optical is the pseudonym of Matt Quinn. He is best known for his work with <a href="spotify:artist:6gj4aZLxVGCdFPMThH6q6q" data-name="Ed Rush">Ed Rush</a> fellow founder of the Virus Recordings label, and as a pioneer of the techstep and neurofunk sound. His first single for Metalheadz, 'To Shape the Future'/'Raging Calm' (1997) and his collaborative material with Ed Rush, such as the Wormhole LP (1998) are archetypal developments in the style. The duo followed this with The Creeps (2000) and The Original Doctor Shade (2003), Travel The Galaxy (2009), No Cure (2015), as well as countless singles and remixes.
"Optical's savage dance floor productions have earned him a place in drum'n'bass's premier division.”… "his pure, unchallenged talent shines through on his solo tunes, showcasing an artist well ahead of his time. His ability to blend Jazz, Funk and futuristic, technical soundscapes is masterful. From his early work on <a href="spotify:artist:2SYqJ3uDLLXZNyZdLKBy4M" data-name="Goldie">Goldie</a>'s Metalheadz label and Prototype Recordings to his collaborative work on Virus Recordings and the classic Mysteries of Funk (<a href="spotify:artist:65g8RO3JqCUTigI7YR3dAw" data-name="Grooverider">Grooverider</a>'s landmark LP), Optical can perhaps qualify as one of the most underrated musicians of the modern era. His mind has crafted sounds which have never before been heard, moods which are completely original, and his vision of the future, although ultimately dark and disjointed, is beautifully vivid and addictive. It’s a world he pulls you into with each and every track and only a handful of artists can begin to dream of being this successful in their work."
"Optical's savage dance floor productions have earned him a place in drum'n'bass's premier division.”… "his pure, unchallenged talent shines through on his solo tunes, showcasing an artist well ahead of his time. His ability to blend Jazz, Funk and futuristic, technical soundscapes is masterful. From his early work on <a href="spotify:artist:2SYqJ3uDLLXZNyZdLKBy4M" data-name="Goldie">Goldie</a>'s Metalheadz label and Prototype Recordings to his collaborative work on Virus Recordings and the classic Mysteries of Funk (<a href="spotify:artist:65g8RO3JqCUTigI7YR3dAw" data-name="Grooverider">Grooverider</a>'s landmark LP), Optical can perhaps qualify as one of the most underrated musicians of the modern era. His mind has crafted sounds which have never before been heard, moods which are completely original, and his vision of the future, although ultimately dark and disjointed, is beautifully vivid and addictive. It’s a world he pulls you into with each and every track and only a handful of artists can begin to dream of being this successful in their work."
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