Ambient / Drone
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TOP ALBUMS
Music For HippiesPlatform 23
Platform 23 again explores the dense voids, this time with a touch of the funk with a reissue of Dutch experimentalists De Fabriek and two tracks from their Music For cassette series, this time calling all Hippies. Featuring both original and reinterpretations from modern-day heads Dunkeltier and Khidja, this EP is something of an oddity, showcasing the bands' expansive range, moving away from the noise, drone and industrial soundscape releases they had become known for and crafting here, free flowing, groovy longform jams. Active since the late 70s to today, De Fabriek (The Factory) have never considered themselves a real band, also being a label too, with an evolving and irregular line up centred around Richard van Dellen, they present their music and output as a kind of work-union. With literally four decades and dozens of releases across all formats, 1988's cassette release Music For Hippies has become something of a cult curio, with the long improvisational tracks, Lullabye and Coming Down eschewing the rougher, industrial experience for something completely different. In opener Lullabye, we go full leftfield P-Funk meets Motorik undertones. An incessant beat is laid from the start and doesn't cease for over 10 minutes, while spoken vocals call closer to the Krautrock realms of Can and hark to Liebezeit's stylised grooving best. Analog, echo washed, with touches of glam and wrapped in simple effects pedal work, the secrets are passed to Dresden / Berlin inhabitant Dunkeltier aka Sneaker DJ aka Thomas Smorek. His darker moniker, appearing on obscure edits for Macadam Mambo and the much-missed Bahnsteig 23, his Hey Robot mix adds bass, percussion, strings and synth to remold Lullabye into a late night, red light, basement denzien. This is followed by an additional, bonus reimagining, creating an all-new time piece, an ear worm of the best kind with Tik Tok Goes The Clock. Come Down is a more resembling De Fabriek werk, edited to fit, the darkness is entered as snapshot vocal quips, oscillations and synthesised mutations are laid over a lazy, relentless ostinato rhythm where cymbals crash on the bar. Inviting, calling, De Fabriek's aptly titled downer is in fact, a joyous journey. To complete, label affiliates, Khidja take a break from finalising their debut album to unfold their Psychebabble Mix, a dozen plus minutes of warped, twisted, cassette machinations that suck the listener further along the trip. Added bass propels their edit suddenly to a new direction, a hook for mind and for the open willed, the body.
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Refuge RemixesInfine France
Thomas Hennebicque aka Toh Imago's second album, Refuge, aimed to recontextualise humankind's relationship with nature and was recorded on the edge of a forest in France, where nature played a big part in the production aesthetic. Now here are the remixes: Berlin legend Shed lends his midas touch on a re-rub of "Monde Interieur" giving the track his renowned "power house" treatment, while Japanese hypnotic techno expert DJ Nobu reinterprets "Cite Peupleraie" as a sublime ambient journey, and To Van Kao's rework of "Chiffchaff" is a deep down and dirty take that's perfect for the afterparty.
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The Resonance VIVision Recordings
And they just keep on coming... This is the sixth instalment of Noisia remixes from some of the brightest and most twisted minds across the electronic board. From newcomer to veteran, the remix doors are open and rules are out of the window. Highlights on this particular collection include the return of the mighty Sleepnet who effectively remixes himself to dramatic effect, the almighty breaks lashing from Glitch Mob, the unholy 4x4 neuro twist up from Black Sun Empire and Nikki Nair's amazing twist on Split The Atom that includes Foreign Beggars bars never before released! RIP Ebo! An honorary mentions goes to Koarse, too, for his gabba shake-up finale. The first remix of 'Dead Limit' so far, this sets the benchmark high. Long may the Resonance series continue.
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MariaCrosstown Rebels
Electronic duo Pale Blue releases their highly anticipated second album 'Maria' on Crosstown Rebels. With eight captivating tracks, the long-player takes listeners on an immersive electronic journey. Mike Simonetti (Italians Do It Better) and Elizabeth Wight (Silver Hands) formed the outfit in 2015, gaining acclaim with their debut album. It showcases Wight's personal experiences and thoughts through her lyrics, accompanied by techno-infused melodies that lean towards rock influences. From dreamlike melodies to haunting productions, the album seamlessly blends electronica with pop touches.
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Good LiesXL
Overmono unleashes their debut album here on XL Recordings. This album represents a remarkable culmination of their musical journey so far with 12 compelling tracks, with brothers Tom & Ed Russell taking listeners on a captivating sonic odyssey that seamlessly blends a diverse range of electronic genres. 'Good Lies' showcases their impeccable sound design and experimental approach: from the evocative vocal-led breaks of the title track, or the glassy-eyed IDM of "Walk Thru Water" feat. St. Panther, to the infectious 2-step attitude of "Is U" and the future UK sonics of "Calling Out" - this is the sound of one of the most original contemporary live electronic acts.
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Gudu & Friends Vol 1Gudu
Peggy Gou's label delivers a compilation that features regular contributors to her label. Mogwaa's "11khz" resounds to a fusion of rolling, shaking drums and lush synths. Exploring this theme further, Salamanda's "Mockingbird" is more contemplative thanks to its combination of swirling melodies and downtempo drums. In contrast, the wonderful Hiver duo drop a crystalline electro track in the shape of "Lunar". The compilation also serves up some fine dance floor tracks: DMX Krew weighs in with the clubby, angular rhythms of "One Take", Brain de Palma's "Road to Tatooine" is a fine, wonky acid track - and Closet Yi's "Sonder" is a shimmering break beat track
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