Review: It's been five years since Manchester's Ryan Hunn made his debut under the now familiar Illum Sphere alias. This debut album for scene titans Ninja Tune has been a long time coming. So, is it any good? First and foremost, it's a lot smoother and melodic than his wonkier early work. While there are off-kilter rhythms paired with futuristic electronics (see "It'll Be Over Soon" and string-laden "Ghosts of Then & Now"), these moments largely play second fiddle to woozy, James Blake-ish soundscapes and tactile downtempo moments. It's a curious move, perhaps, but one that suits the album format. Certainly, when he really nails it - such as the distinctly Balearic "One Letter From Death" - it's nothing less than sublime.
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