★★★☆☆ = Good!
Sounds like?
Loose spacey electro
Thoughts
My favorite album of theirs, the analog approach works well here. Tracks cover a range of techno but all are done well.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Juju-Jordash-Juju-Jordash/release/1951138
Listen!
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC3q-AQqOhY
Spotify
Schema Info
★★★☆☆ = Good!
Sounds like?
Intense techno
Moods
Accessible Berghain
Thoughts
Biting and varied, hits with a booming intensity, reminds me of a more accessible version of Surgeon.
‘Why does it hurt’ is a bit boring, the rest is strong.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Avalon-Emerson-Narcissus-In-Retrograde/release/9429305
Listen!
Youtube
Spotify
Schema Info
★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening
What’s it sound like?
Happy left field electro. Discogs calls this future jazz which I’ll need to check out.
Has a funky sort’ve new world vibe to it, cool pan flute sound.
Thoughts
This is really good, fresh and original sound. He successfully builds on the retro la-funk that’s been so popular lately.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Will-DiMaggio-At-Ease/release/11768093
Listen!
Youtube
Spotify
Schema Info
★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine
What’s it sound like?
Modern intellectual compositional ambient like electro.
Thoughts
Well crafted with enjoyable moments but overall dull and drifting.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Grand-River-Crescente/release/10925592
Listen!
Youtube
Spotify
Schema Info
★★★☆☆ = Good!
What’s it sound like?
Energetic house mix
Thoughts
A dynamic mix that builds in intensity. This is decidedly modern house but incorporates a number of styles and takes large influence from 90s golden age. The later half isn’t quite as good, track selection trades sexy for energy that I don’t particularly like. Ends with a perfect pair. I think this would play well with mature fans looking for something fresh.
My one complaint is he hops between styles and songs too frequently, never really settling on anything for longer than a minute. At times this is fun but I do wish some songs would’ve been stretched out more.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Deetron-DJ-Kicks/release/11684630
Listen!
Youtube
Spotify
Schema Info
★★★☆☆ = Good!
What’s it sound like?
Bassy hip minimal house.
Thoughts
Galcher lustwerk makes a pretty solid minimal house record. It’s not outstanding but I like his style direction and overall sound. This is an accessible introduction to his brand of house.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Studio-OST-Scenes-2012-2015/release/8361439
Listen!
Youtube
Spotify
★★★★★ = Classic, essential listening
What’s it sound like?
Techno with a pleasant floating ambient element. Certain tracks utilize a drum machine for a dance vibe, others are extended and much more in the ambient realm relying on repetition to create feeling.
Thoughts
A masterpiece: this sounds great and is aphex twin at his most accessible. Though the production can feel dated at times it never detracts. It’s distinct and a key album of influence for alt-electro of all stripes, it’s easy to hear how this would go onto influence many different artists while still sounding just as relevant today.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Aphex-Twin-Selected-Ambient-Works-85-92/release/32662
Listen!
Youtube
Spotify
★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening
What’s it sound like?
Techno, creative electro, British, jungle at times
Thoughts
While these are rough cuts Kieran’s noodling is better then most polished outputs. He employs jungle like rhythm which isn’t usually my thing but it’s done well here, creating a worldly type of vibe.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Four-Tet-Beautiful-Rewind/release/4968029
Listen!
Youtube
Spotify
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quality avant garde electro, exploring lots of striking textures, sounds, blips and bloops while still keeping some type of beat. Refreshing in this beatless, ‘post-club’ environment.
More Info:
https://www.discogs.com/Call-Super-Arpo/release/11115688
Listen!
Spotify:
Youtube:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a combined review for Arla ep’s I, II and III which I think taken together make a great album. I’m not very good at classifying electronic music but this is quality UK electro like Jamie xx and Four Tet. Each of the EP’s compliments each other, wirth EP II incorporating manipulated vocal hooks as part of the production.
On another note, I really need to check out more releases by XL. Starting to see them as an emblem of quality.
More Info:
https://www.discogs.com/Overmono-Arla-III-EP/release/11192765
Listen!
Spotify:
Youtube: