Petar Dundov At Juno Download

Review: While Petar Dundov's latest album is certainly more laid-back than the storming intensity of his Brother's Yard releases, he hasn't sacrificed creativity, ideas or imagination in the process. Admittedly, the Croatian's 2010 single for Music Man, "Distant Shores", also included here, did edge close to mainstream Ibiza dance music, but it did so with an irresistible flair and panache and an understanding of what used to be popular on the White Isle, its pulsing electronic bassline supporting synth solos that verge on the psychedelic. Although it largely eschews the dance floor, the rest of Ideas From The Pond resonates with a similar sense of history. The title track is a perfectly weighted, sun-kissed ambient affair, its melody swirling gently over lazy mid-tempo beats that were made for Cafe Del Mar. "Together" provides the missing link between Leftfield at their most introspective - think the alternate versions of "Song of Life" - and Vangelis, as synths swell and ebb majestically and it's crying out to soundtrack a movie. "Around One" and "Tetra Float" are wonderfully atmospheric compositions, with spine-tingling keys and spacey melodies realised with a warm, soft-focus production touch. Unlike many of his peers, Ideas From The Pond shows that Dundov is not treading water and has grown older, wiser and more creative.

Review: Croatia's Petar Dundov is one the few artists who makes techno sound both evocative and organic. Unlike post-Kompakt mush or fist-pumping stadium trance, Dundov's work evokes a sense of melancholia that is absent from electronic music - and this release is no exception. On the title track, dramatic synths and strings well up against the backdrop of an amazingly fluid acid line. It's the musical strings that impress most, sounding purer and more vital than the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. "Triton", as its name suggests, is more austere and darker, as a pacy bassline guides eerie synth lines, but the reflective piano keys show yet again that Dundov is a master of melody.

Review: Over the past few years there has been some great new talent coming out of Croatia, and Zagreb based Peter Dundov is one of those leading the way. He returns to Belgium based Music Man with a typically experimental and dynamic EP that sits itself (un-pigeon holed) somewhere between techno, progressive, and psy trance. Quite a melting pot of styles there and plenty going on in the mix to keep the listener interested, and twisted. Lead track is 'Stairway' full of blistering synth lines and washy atmospherics, while met with simplistic sharp percussion and a solid rolling b-line. 'The Arch' on the flip is a little lighter and melodic, whilst maintaining all of Petar's standout qualities.. Try something new and give these a go!