Review: Third Ear have been responsible for some truly wonderful things over the years, with everyone from Jeff Mills to 808 State having had a part in the label's gradual but impressive progress. This time we welcome newcomers Ayota aka Ryuichi Iyota and Ski Oakenfull, a mysterious duo who do things just a little bit differently. "Llamas" opens the LP in true lo-fi grandiosity, that is, although we're talking downtempo range here, it nevertheless evokes feelings of sheer energy thanks to its suave percussion arrangements and jazzy bass lines. There are plenty of keepers in this 13 track marathon, such as "Sabor", a crystalline, sub-aquatic synth journey; "Niji", a mesmerising neo-hip-hop cut; or even "Airport" with its lounged-out, kick-the-fuck-back vibes; and "Hitotsu", a beautifully bizarre escapade into sparkling chimes and gentle synth squeals. But it's the spaces between the beat-laden tracks that really draw us into Ayota's sound - an odd but equally enchanting world of their own.
from $1.893ELP-2013_03
08 Feb 13
Experimental/Electronic