Naono, Sleepy Pebbles [Archaic Horizon – AH038, 2010]

Since the ‘Vibrant Music’ label always has been a favorite of mine and since Naono has been heavily involved in the very same label from the start. This 2010 Archaic Horizon release enticed great hopes when I found it and let me tell you straight away it does not disappoint! For even more cross-reference it… Continue reading Naono, Sleepy Pebbles [Archaic Horizon – AH038, 2010]

Polestar, End of an Era [Boltfish Recordings – BOLTDIGI017, 2010]

Reportedly ‘End of an Era’ is Jon Elliott’s last release using the name Polestar and given that his first release ‘Camplex EP’ on Boltfish Recordings was reviewed in 2005. It now only seems as fitting as it is sad that Polestar’s last release also is a Boltfish one. At the time of his debut release… Continue reading Polestar, End of an Era [Boltfish Recordings – BOLTDIGI017, 2010]

Plakto, Soul’d Out [El-Ljud – ELJD013, 2010]

Plakto’s ‘Soul’d Out’ is the thirteenth release on the until recently completely unknown (to me that is) Swedish net label El-Ljud. They already have some 14 releases to their credit so I for one have obviously missed out on something great. The thirteenth release ‘Soul’d Out’ by Plakto has overall impressive qualities. It is solid… Continue reading Plakto, Soul’d Out [El-Ljud – ELJD013, 2010]

Sabi, Glued on Thin Memories [Boltfish Recordings – BOLTLP009, 2010]

A very competent and well-executed album released on the relentless and yet very friendly Boltfish Recordings’ label in 2010. This 15 track album opens up with a classic take on electronic beats born on the other side of the Atlantic and may not be groundbreaking for 2011. However, the workmanship is most definitely there and… Continue reading Sabi, Glued on Thin Memories [Boltfish Recordings – BOLTLP009, 2010]

Lackluster, Aeration EP [TwoCircles Records – [ [2circlesNet002], 2009]

Lackluster, what can one say? This entity (human) embodies the very essence of what contemporary electronic music is all about. This human has been producing music of the highest quality imaginable for a decade (that’s more than 10 years mind you) and possibly even longer, it is impressing to say the least and even more… Continue reading Lackluster, Aeration EP [TwoCircles Records – [ [2circlesNet002], 2009]

Teho Teardo, Soundtrack Work 2004-2008 [Expanding Records – ECD31:10, 2010]

After the release of Pq debut album ‘You’ll Never Find Us Here’ and following a period of quietness. This surprising second album appears on Expanding Records in 2010. It was released just a mere month or so later (AUG2010). As would be expected (it’s Expanding after all) it is another excellent debut album, this time… Continue reading Teho Teardo, Soundtrack Work 2004-2008 [Expanding Records – ECD31:10, 2010]

Ludvig Elblaus, R1 [Resurface – RESUSE001, 2010]

R1 is a live-set by Ludvig Elblaus and it was recorded in 2010-12-03 at R1. The venue R1 (Reaktor 1) used to house the very first Swedish nuclear reactor and it is situated 20 meters below the ground in the firm bedrock under the vast KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. The venue is… Continue reading Ludvig Elblaus, R1 [Resurface – RESUSE001, 2010]

Pq, You’ll Never Find Us Here [Expanding Records – ECD30:10, 2010]

After being quiet for a period of time a new release on Expanding Records finally arrives (JUN2010)! And it is another debut album and it is as many times before a high-quality piece of music. Reflecting the undeniable and dramatic changes in the near past, this is appears to be a CD release only (no… Continue reading Pq, You’ll Never Find Us Here [Expanding Records – ECD30:10, 2010]

Monoceros, A Glorious Afternoon [Imaginary Nonexistent Records -INR014CDR, 2010]

The well-known artist Monoceros, producer of high-grade electronic music and releases on such prestigious labels such as Expanding Records and Fueradeserie run imaginary Nonexistent Records. The mini-album (8 tracks) in question ‘A Glorious Afternoon’ is a direct continuation of Monoceros’ earlier work. It is warm, melodic and extremely well produced and in my mind, for… Continue reading Monoceros, A Glorious Afternoon [Imaginary Nonexistent Records -INR014CDR, 2010]

Neuron, Planet Fendor, [Imaginary Nonexistent Records – SMON004CDR, 2010]

No question about it, this is an excellent piece of music! Deep, bassfilled crystalline soundscapes, beautiful in a mesmerising and melancholic way. I feel compelled to say something more about the bass, it’s excellent handled and nothing less than hypnotising. Depending on your set-up you might go for the headphones (if your neighbours are away… Continue reading Neuron, Planet Fendor, [Imaginary Nonexistent Records – SMON004CDR, 2010]