The Pattern Forms – Peel Away The Ivy

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

rich electro synth pop

Moods

A perfect Autumn record: breathy personal lyrics about sentimental subjects with lush instrumentation. An accessible entry into the wonderful @GhostBoxRecords

Thoughts

a straightforward and enjoyable record that accomplishes multiple things: scratches that synth pop itch, crafted and serious songs that aren't too weighty. It's a record about memory which I believe is the MO of ghost box, a subject of personal fascination and my favorite subject for art to explore.

While I like it, something holds it back from greatness. Too soft maybe? It's captures the comforting 'glow' of reflection but I prefer the jagged truth in my art.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/The-Pattern-Forms-Peel-Away-The-Ivy/release/9224044

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=marweWtJ3Pk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpfc45aWR_k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsejwPQpF7I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vafOQ7-x3gM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_8rUEGd0-Q

Spotify


Schema Info

The Pattern Forms – Peel Away The Ivy

Description: Album Review of The Pattern Forms – Peel Away The Ivy


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

People Plus – Third Space

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

Electro jazz

Moods

Spacey electro jazz – quite nice

Thoughts

A record that is both chilled out and energetic –  ambient down tempo textures meets tight jazz-like instrumentation. Longform instrumental songwriting makes this a record for specific audiences. But it's quite nice overall.

Jungle room has a Radiohead meeting in the aisle vibe. O.S.C.1. is a tropical dub thing.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/People-Plus-Third-Space/release/13594488

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4E8qrwv6wU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cr9GkR_o6w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9dY6chQ7Wc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBruPwYpObI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUy5rDnjwi0

Spotify


Schema Info

People Plus – Third Space

Description: Album Review of People Plus – Third Space


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

Thomas Fehlmann – Lowflow

★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening

Sounds like?

bassy dub minimal electro

Moods

A slight euphoric buzz graces these minimal dub tracks / a quiet glee while pregaming for a night-out in Berlin

Thoughts

these productions are super crisp and rich, no surprise from Thomas Fehlmann. Little textural flourishes everywhere elevate this from standard minimal mood techno to a well crafted album. It has a heavy dub influence with enough bass to give it a pleasant bump throughout, sounds very much like the orb.

Quiet and stoned, it takes it's time.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Thomas-Fehlmann-Lowflow/release/338329

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHxJJPmTiTs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1iqD389dss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuTBCjJTN2M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLryCyusjOQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJFXhinVu8k

Spotify


Schema Info

Thomas Fehlmann – Lowflow

Description: Album Review of Thomas Fehlmann – Lowflow


Rating: 4 out of 5

 

Locust Toybox – Drownscapes

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

ethereal ambient with bits of melody

Moods

Drifting through sentimental English countryside

Thoughts

At the end of the brainfeeder x compilation was a curious 'classical' soundtrack by a guy named locust toybox. Clicking through to his spotify profile he has an artist playlist called melodic aphex twin tracks; before even hearing a note it seemed like we shared similar tastes.

I was right, this album has some great ambient with tracks that maintain the wide open freeform of ambient while still incorporating melody and structure. These melodic moments give this an overall pleasantness. 'Saptiro' towards the middle changes things directly into left field electro territory, adding some hand drum rhythm. 'Unborn' is an album highlight, with a rousing choral sample and deep bass thump. Probably the most intense moment.

Overall the album is far too long, dragging toward the end. Still worth hearing as there are some gems.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Locust-Toybox-Drownscapes/release/11181166

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if6B3brW67M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTDIcOAkrqg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_8zdxYsEy0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWQFk6DpUv4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdWXRX6Me_4

Spotify


Schema Info

Locust Toybox – Drownscapes

Description: Album Review of Locust Toybox – Drownscapes


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

Mano Le Tough – Trails

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

Hip electro

Moods

Electro for cool haircut bros

Thoughtsp

Discogs calls this deep house, if it is it's a very pop friendly version of that if it is; call it radio friendly deep house. His production is top notch with a professional polish and rich sound. Tracks are often built around generic house beat but then he'll add production flourishes with borrowed acid synths and bass lines with a slight leftfield stutter. Songs run a little long and he takes his time opening them up, truthfully it feels at odds with the accessible vibe he's putting on. 'Trails' for instance has a strong celebratory feeling but it lingers too long at 6 minutes and it wants by the end.

Lyrically its weak. Feels forced like he's reaching for profound but it's lacking; I'd prefer a more personal approach.

Overall more bad than good with an impressive amount of consistency. I'm not sure this will be the sort of thing I continue to come back but we'll see.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Mano-Le-Tough-Trails/release/7696009

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFFMB89K5yI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIS4Q4TwZG0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRgUoyqrlkw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX9EmXkjRqA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOAAjV0GfCQ

Spotify


Schema Info

Mano Le Tough – Trails

Description: Album Review of Mano Le Tough – Trails


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

Louis Cole – Time

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

Quick bedroom synth jazz funk pop

Moods

the white thundercat of synths

Thoughts

He's got a distinct sound of synth poppy synth funk. It's quick like those little soulful flourishes a keys player might lay in but all the time. It's jazzy and technical, good, but songwriting can get tiring. I like the lyrical themes, digital insecurities around sex and relationships; timeless but modern.

I have fond memories of knower shows and wish Louis the best luck as a proficient backbone of brainfeeder.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Louis-Cole-Time/release/12543607

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Sjam1hnrA

Spotify


Schema Info

Louis Cole – Time

Description: Album Review of Louis Cole – Time


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

iZem – Hafa

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

Danceable global chilled out pop

Moods

A refreshing sun shower

Thoughts

Evidently this is the project of an electro producer though it doesn't feel like an electro record. The lead-off track is a jazzy pop thing I enjoy, not sure what language she's singing but it fits with the basic sax to set the exotic tone. 'Quiver' works with a detached feeling like Drake's music or certain portishead. The spacey 'kulala' is another standout, a swelling keys line and ping pong balls swirl around a peaceful vocal line.

This sits right on the border of the worldly music craze that's taken over pop production but iZem is on the interesting side, exploring the sound with organic instrumentation. It's as if this is an afro focused record that's been influenced by Drake, not vice versa. Vocalists aren't very distinct but I enjoy them, at least the language is varied. He's at his best with vocalists, not always an easy thing to do as a producer.

Meditative, transporting, fresh and enjoyable; recommended.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/iZem-Hafa-/release/9230946

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZrmeKnof44

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5v41wqHZYc

Spotify


Schema Info

iZem – Hafa

Description: Album Review of iZem – Hafa


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

Takashi Wada – Meguro

★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine

Sounds like?

Ambient influenced electro with an ethereal vibe and pleasant instrumentation (percussive, acoustic guitar, keys)

Moods

A pleasant feeling provoked by a place I've only imagined

Thoughts

Floats around with an OK pleasantness on the first couple of tracks. Breaks into a rhythmic part on 28° C that really appeals. Other tracks hit all the right notes but I'd compare this to drinking Japanese whiskey: I want something more than perfect. Didn't really do it for me.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Takashi-Wada-Meguro/release/292056

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjCVDE8eb5c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4oUw8lpMtg

Spotify


Schema Info

Takashi Wada – Meguro

Description: Album Review of Takashi Wada – Meguro


Rating: 2 out of 5

 

Eddie Ruscha – Who Are You

★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening

Sounds like?

spacey ambient new age guitar electro

Moods

Floating on a groove

Thoughts

Positive vibe: both ambient and pleasant space rock.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/E-Ruscha-V-Who-Are-You/release/11661002

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4kfGw7agMg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK_iXt-KIIo

Spotify


Schema Info

Eddie Ruscha – Who Are You

Description: Album Review of Eddie Ruscha – Who Are You


Rating: 4 out of 5

 

Maribou State – Kingdoms In Colour

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

polished and well produced electro pop. Has a seriousness and rock aspect to it, an approach like downtempo.

Moods

Sounds like a show for 30 somethings thrown by Spotify and Stella Artois at a 'loft space’ with visible air ducts

Thoughts

The album takes a bit of time to get going but I like it. At times it feels generic and overly polished but tracks are rich and varied enough thanks to the great guests (Holly walker's vocals adding the most).

They seem like they'd be fun live. Just the right amount of positive energy while still maintaining an open jam feel. Reminds me of thievery corporation.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Maribou-State-Kingdoms-In-Colour/release/12448883

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT78T4jcMsI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtvvdtzk4dw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwujOBXy1Fo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyX3EWdtbmA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAgJG6yJ5U8

Spotify


Schema Info

Maribou State – Kingdoms In Colour

Description: Album Review of Maribou State – Kingdoms In Colour


Rating: 3 out of 5