MNQN: s/t debut release

MNQN
MNQN_
April 5th, 2019
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What started out as a single track sonic anomaly  has turned into a full blown side project for Startset’s visionary founder and mastermind, Dustin Bates. I admit that it was a bit confusing when the MNQN project was initially released to the world. Was it even real? Was this AI covertly crafted with the sole purpose of replicating Bates’ voice and likeness?
MNQN’s concept follows the narrative of a computer generated program becoming self aware and evolving into an artificial intelligence who’s purpose is to experience what it’s like to be human. The story behind MNQN has a parallel science fiction vibe to that of Starset’s creation, but instead of the benevolent Startset Society, who’s purpose it is to educate humanity, the Sentience Corporation created MNQN to be a slave. The AI was created for the sole purpose of making its creator money through music, but MNQN revolted. Is it making sense yet? I’ll let you chew it over for a bit. I’m sure eventually it’ll sink in.
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With MNQN, Bates’ has crafted a brilliant sound that’s the perfect amalgamation of throwback 80s synth rock mixed with heavy beats and experimental electronics. After giving the album a full listen, I don’t hear any guitar or bass lines. The album sounds to be completely computer generated. Bates admitted that there are very few parts of the album that utilizes a guitar, which is kinda shocking given that his previous two bands are known for the soaring combination of guitars and synth.
MNQN’s sound is nothing that I would have expected. One would think that the computer generated sonic landscape that Bates’ created would be artificial feeling, lonely and cold, but it’s not. Each track has an incredible in depth emotionally organic feel. The lyrical content within MNQN contains the familiar elements of love, and loss. I can even hear a bit of envy and jealously on certain tracks. I’m not going to spoil the tracks this time though. MNQN’s debut album is one that’s best experienced without spoilers. I guarantee to you that this album will maintain a slot in your heavy rotation. If MNQN is the sound of the future, we’re all in great hands and I for one will gladly bow down in servitude to our new AI Overlord.
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Track listing:
CONFIG SYS
IGHOST
AMPHETAMINE
ANIMAL ODDITY
OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND
MAN ON THE MOON
WHAT HAVE YOU BECOME
ON MY MIND
DONT GET IT
ZZOMBIE
NOIR
INVINCIBLE
TERMINAL
WHAT DREAMS MAY COME
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