Floating Points At Juno Download

Review: Ever since it was debuted by Benji B on his Radio 1 show a couple of months back, there has been a general clamour for the release of "Danger", a rippling, techno-leaning Floating Points production that brings to mind his stunning (and slept on) remix of Sebastien Tellier. A peak time throbber this in not, with Mr Shepherd retaining his trademark jazzuality and penchant for deep pools of sub bass, with an epic introduction of soaring synths and rippling arpeggios. Up next you'll find the deeply atmospheric "Miniature 27", which sees Floating Points dipping his toes into beatless, ambient waters. A stunning and most essential release.

Review: The latest two-track jam from Floating Points for his own Eglo imprint further cements his reputation as a naturally gifted producer steeped in an understanding of soul and groove. "Marilyn" is bursting with good-times vibes from the deceptively smooth intro to the bumping boogie of the drop. It's the sheer musicianship that stands head and shoulders above his contemporaries. "Farukx" lilts to life on a bed of wistful strings, and when the beat does come into play, it's a steppy stumble of gossamer hats and snares that manage to trip over each other in disjointed harmony.

Review: With only a few but already classic EPs such as the astounding "Love Me Like This" and "Vacuum" under his belt, Floating Points seems to have an uncanny knack of effortlessly fusing house, nu jazz and R&B to create something wondrous, and "People's Potential" continues his winning streak. The title track kicks off proceedings with a wandering electric piano, jazzy guitar licks and rim shots which takes you on a Moog-driven journey. Things take a darker turn on the B-side with "Shark Chase" pairing a fat, prowling bassline with spooked-out piano to claustrophobic and menacing effect. You're going to need a bigger boat...

Review: Those who missed out on this Floating Points obscurity on its initial vinyl release must be pretty happy right now. You see, Eglo originally released it a couple of months back as an ultra-limited, single-sided 10" single. For those who don't buy vinyl, it's actually something of a bonus to see "Sais" get a digital release, as it's a pretty hot slab of contemporary broken beat. With a weighty dub bassline, mournful strings and snappy, jazz-influenced beats that weigh in somewhere between classic bruk and 2-step garage, it's easily one of Floating Points' heaviest releases to date.

Review: Big props due to the Eglo network for this release, an impeccable EP of Floating Points productions which cannot fail to impress on any level. Musically, it's perhaps Shepherd's most ambitious collection to date, veering through sumptuous deep house, expertly crafted broken boogie from another century and bristling techno. "Myrtle Avenue" is a dreamlike way to open a release, plunging into vast, widescreen expanses of texture and detail, further cementing comparisons with Theo as the freeform keys align with undulating layers of percussion. "Realise" and "Obfuse" are the precursors to the standout tracks on the second twelve, but are in no way filler, with the former teasing out finely placed 808 programming over pensive simmering patterns, whilst the latter is a fizzing, stripped down drum machine workout that is gradually joined by yet more tenderised synths. And thus we come to "Arp3", a track which will secure this release a place in many a heart, expertly growing into a haunting techno epic and filled with so many production intricacies and rhythmic deviations it demands several repeat plays. "Sais" rounds off the release, revealing in full detail the track's fuzzy, orchestral glory some time after a Dub version appeared on record store day.