Hello,
As the old year draws to a close, we recap the finest musical moments of 2011. For this update we have selected our favourite full-lengths of the year, and we are making all of these indispensable albums available to you for a special price until January 15, 2012.
Our selection includes the finest in house and techno with masterpieces from Roman Flügel, Nicolas Jaar, and Morphosis, our favourites in dubstep and hip-hop by the likes of Modeselektor, James Blake, and Martyn, electronica highlights featuring Alva Noto, Four Tet, and Plaid, and lastly this year's disco and indie pop pearls by Tiger & Woods, Joakim, Zola Jesus, and many more.
Merry digging, and happy holidays! |
TECHNO / HOUSE ESSENTIALS
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With a steady stream of releases over past years, Holland's Boris Bunnik releases his second LP on Delsin. Almost all tracks are new, with 'Lonely Run' from his recent 'Dystopian EP' getting a rerub, he hones his tactile, deep dubby techno forms in this immersive, perfectly balanced album. Highly recommended.
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Album released 19-09-2011 on Dial
Roman Flügel's album for Dial has been hugely anticipated and it's turned out fantastic: From minimalistic techno jackers to deep disco dubs, Latin steeldrum flavours, and touches of jazz and vintage electronica, 'Fatty Folders' is a subtle masterpiece from this consistently innovate producer. Buy on sight.
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Highly anticipated debut album from this unique young talent certainly doesn't disappoint. Delicately carved textures burying instruments within fibrous warmth, balancing melodies and sonic experiments and grooving at its own pace. An effortlessly heavenly album and highly recommended!
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The dream-team formation of Lee Curtiss, Ryan Crosson, Seth Troxler and Shaun Reeves get to work on a Visionquest Fabric mix, seamlessly blending their Detroit heritage with its European counterparts. From Tin Man's haunted pop, through Green Velvet and Carl Craig, a top mix.
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Venetian house don Rabih Beaini (Ra.H) slips into his Morphosis guise for his debut album on Delsin. 'What Have We Learned' compiles ten hypnotic analogue techno jams, imbued with a sense of experimentation derived from free jazz, but also taking occasional cues from other sources, such as Lebanese folk music.
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A true master of the dark art of techno, Luke Slater delivers a fully tried and tested album under his formidable PAS moniker on Ostgut Ton. No-nonsense, stern-faced techno visions, starting spaciously with 'Railer' before launching off with spine-tingling to quaking mind-body decimators. Utterly epic.
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Elektro Guzzi's live techno concept impressively proves its staying power on the Austrian three-piece's second album. While the subtlety of their tracks has increased melodically and rhythmically, the sheer energy of the Guzzis' guitar/bass/drums/fx line-up survives unscathed. Excellent.
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Cosmin TRG has a proven track record for quality and versatility with hallmark releases landing on Hotflush, Tempa, and Rush Hour. Here he presents his debut LP for 50 Weapons, 'Simulat', showcasing the remarkable depth and range that he has built his name on.
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Album released 10-10-2011 on Profan
Now compiled to one album, Voigty's 'Kafkatrax' project was a strident avant-garde project which really stood out this year. Constructed from just the voice of a Kafka audio book and a bassdrum, these haunting tracks spiral into abstraction, interweaved layers creating sonic Kafkaesque absurdity. Exquisite.
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With the debut album of Berlin-based producer Moomin, Smallville has treated us to one of the finest house album's of the year: Ten tracks of sparkling piano riffs, jacking grooves, and deep and subtle ambiences. Highly recommended.
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Since their debut single on Border Community in 2006, Hamburg-based Extrawelt duo have continued their mission of a techno sound, minimal yet loaded with electronic emotionality. Their sophomore album also on Cocoon sees 14 well-crafted tracks of melodic techno, and even a touch of dubstep. Nice.
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Compilation released 28-11-2011 on Tresor
A sounding piece of techno history, Detroit legend Mike Huckaby mixes the Berlin institution's 20th anniversary mix. A well-attended cross-Atlantic alliance with Bam Bam, Robert Hood, Drexciya, Joey Beltram, Surgeon and Cristian Vogel all present and an exclusive "The Tresor Track" by Huckaby himself. E-ssential, natch!
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Album released 12-09-2011 on Kompakt
Brazil's Gui Boratto grabbed attention with his 2007 debut LP 'Chromophobia' on Kompakt and now returns with another long-player of his melodic-emotive minimal techno. Whilst not reinventing the wheel, very well done and a hugely pleasant album, ending sweetly with a vocal track feat. Luciana Villanova.
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Album released 31-01-2011 on Infiné
Agoria's fourth album is also his very first for his own label, and it programmatically showcases the range of styles Infiné has become famous for: from smooth tech house (collabs with Carl Craig and Seth Troxler), to touches of indie pop on two tracks with Kid A, to the neo-classical sounds of 'Under the River'. Great.
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Crosstown Rebels has certainly dominated and guided in 2011, reinventing underground house vibes into ever-fresh dancefloor dynamite. This 32 track compilation proves their feat, with highlights from usual suspects such as Maceo Plex, Deniz Kurtel, Quenum and an exclusive Art Dept remix of Jamie Jones. Yeah!
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Once again comprising of a day and a night mix, Sven Väth's Sound of the Twelfth Season compiles some of the year's finest house and techno by artists such as Efdemin, Levon Vincent, Mark E, Move D, Omar S, Gerd and Maceo Plex. With plenty of style and diversity, this one's hard to fault.
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Dusty Kid lives up to his pop star status with his sophomore album, 'Beyond That Hill', which does an admirable job of pleasing everyone with trancey techno epics, a pop ambient track, strummed guitar chords ('Chentu Mizas') and little touches of acid here and there. No mean feat.
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Eric Estornel (aka Maetrik)'s house guise has already shown its undeniable deep and soulful properties with his slammer anthem 'Vibe Your Love'. Resonating warmth from the blissful groove in 'You & Me' to the keys and bass of 'Dexter's Flight', with funk-laden 'Love U Mama' on the way. Pure vibing.
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The ever-growing Fabric live series welcomes Louis Brodinski into the mix for its sixtieth edition, bringing together succulent jacking house and tasteful techno picks, touches of r'n'b and dubstep with crowd favs such as Paul Woolford's T.Williams 'Heartbeat' refix, Samuel L Session & Objekt hitting the spot.
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Berlin's techno stalwart delivers a mix of utter treats on Belgium's Music Man Records. With Sandwell District carving the journey's mysterious beginnings, Raster Noton's Signal, Reel By Real, Vril, The Analogue Cops and a good dose of Shed - a blissfully crisp and heartfelt selection. How mixes should be!
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The album following up Robag Wruhme's exquisite split single with Isolée from January, the enigmatic DJ and producer creates an album weaving ephemeral textures from field recordings into his thoughtful dancefloor-oriented tracks, bridged with beautiful ambient spaces. Outstanding, spine-tingling listening.
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Album released 24-10-2011 on Soma
Having long reached legendary status, the inimitable trio unleashes an album on Glasgow's Soma. Their past few releases decisively drone and ambient, they get down to some heads-down, raw, sharp-shooting techno. Splintered noise, beastly beats, visceral flexes of high-grade hypnotic TBD quality. Excellent.
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Double-Album released 17-10-2011 on Pomelo
Alex Cortex gets back to basics with his third full-length 'Kihon', fifteen years since his first release. Unphased by trends, the timeless honesty of his electronic vision prevails, unfolding unhurriedly through its eleven tracks and communicating with a boundless purity unique to Cortex's sound. Immense.
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Hot Creations co-founder Jamie Jones works his magic for the Fabric series, embodying that quality sultry house London is doing so well right now. Opening dreamily as his Hot Natured duo with Lee Foss, with his own Coat Of Arms edit and track 'The Lows' adding sparkle to an all-round lush mix. Essential!
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Panorama Bar resident Steffi utilizes her many years of house expertise in her debut album, following on from her recent stream of Dolly releases as label head. From beginning to end, her timeless soulful house embraces sounding like the most blissful Panorama Bar emotions condensed into an album. Ace.
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One of Germany's most acclaimed minimal house producers Isolée returns with his third full-length album since 2005's brilliant 'We Are Monster'. Isolée boldly freestyles, drifts and lovingly detunes, achieving an excellently executed balance between bedroom and dancefloor. Luscious.
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After a string of releases on Rush Hour, Nebraska a.k.a. Ali Gibbs' second album also appears on the esteemed imprint. His infinitely deep, warm house sound filters through soul, funk, jazz, disco, hip-hop making 'Displacement' ideal for lazy days. Full-bodied listening.
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Album released 24-10-2011 on Cómeme
A core member of Latin American super-label Cómeme since its early days, Mexico's Mauricio Rebolledo's debut album fuses leftfield vocals, oddball electronic pop, funky minimal techno, hip-slinking rhythms - definitely not short of infectious energy or special guests, such as Matias Aguayo & Superpitcher. Wicked!
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Album released 20-06-2011 on Kompakt
Mainstay of the scene John Tejada releases his next album via Kompakt, following up the lush 'Unstable Condition' single. His effortlessly chiselled grooves and rhythms, melodic and relatively downtempo with Tejada's fine style and his many years of experience making an admirably lush album. Recommended.
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The full length debut of this promising young UK producer brings together lush sweeping synth scapes and deep funking beats. Arising somewhere out of Detroit-indebted UK electronica, he fuses diverse influences with a raw and refreshing playfulness. A very impressive effort, don't miss!
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Kenny Glasgow and Jonny White's incredible lonely dancefloor hit 'Without You' grabbed just about everyone last year and now appear with an album which doesn't lose any of that essence. Excelling in their unique sparse and funking melancholy house with appearances from Seth Troxler, Soul Clap & Osunlade.
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A prominent fact about Dominik Eulberg that he, at one point, studied biology and spends some of his time as a park ranger comes not as a surprise to anybody new to his diverse, lush, and widescreen brand of techno. His third LP for Traum intricately intertwines nature and techno with delicate sophistication.
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A resident of Robert Johnson right from the beginning, Dixon mixes the last in the LARJ series. A true master of dark art of dancefloor stamina, this mix is a slow and sensual burner, starting with krauty quirks and ambience and building up with Agoria, Cologne Tape, Roman Flügel, Osunlade. Pure vibes.
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Opening in epic style with a ghostly Marcel Dettman edit of Emika's vocals, one of Berghain's key players Marcel Fengler delivers a magnificent mix. Much new material to be found here, including Fenger's own, Skudge, Convextion, Puresque, Peter van Hoesen, Vril & Reagenz. Pure techno expertise at work. Essential!
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On 'Perfume' Tin Man reaches a middle ground between his extensive explorations of analogue acid house and his song-oriented electronica recordings. His laid-back singing is more present then ever, but at the same time the album's tracks have a distinct house music feel. Unique and recommended.
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Album released 20-06-2011 on M-Plant
Robert Hood presents 'Omega: Alive', a recreation of last year's acclaimed 'Omega' LP, including reworked versions of tracks from the celebrated M-Plant catalogue. Recorded from rehearsals for his live performances, Hood reinforces the uncompromising minimalism in techno that he single-handedly established.
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The Netherlands' Tom Trago releases his second long-player, a more soulful and poppier companion to 2009's 'Voyage Direct'. Brilliantly produced and featuring guests such as Om'Mas Keith from Sa-Ra, Romanthony & Tyree Cooper, it's jam-packed with enough bona-fide cosmic hits to last this light year. Excellent.
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Album released 27-06-2011 on Soma
Soma Records strides on strong with its 20th anniversary celebrations this year with Rod Modell's first solo album in several years. Produced mostly during an extended stay in Amsterdam (as the title suggests), his take on classic dub techno is as ever his own - deep, dirty and dreamy. Highly recommended.
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Album released 23-05-2011 on Kompakt
GusGus' second album for Kompakt sees the return of vocalist Earth, which adds to a new opulence in the group's sound compared to 2009's more reduced '24/7'. Bombastic eurodance hits ('Over', 'Within You') alternate with more minimalistic pop moments on an album that will surely please their many fans.
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Jamie Jones and Lee Foss are making hot waves indeed with the first volume in a quarterly series of compilations from their Hot Natured / Hot Creations camp. Twelve excellent tracks between modern deep house and funky tech-house, with nods to Detroit and electro-funk. Bomb!
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Gene Hunt excavates unreleased tracks from reel-to-reel tapes dating from 1982-1989 with early works and absolute stunners from the greats such as Virgo Four, Ron Hardy, Larry Heard and many more. Simply incredible raw and jacking Chicago house gems you didn't even know you were missing. Wow.
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The techno stalwart behind revered releases on his own Fachwerk and MD2 imprints, as well as Clone and Echocord delivers his first album on Delsin. With a timeless techno creativity, each track shows its own determination, focused down to the tiniest detail and completely compelling throughout.
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Tokyo's Ken Sumitani releases his debut album after just three EPs since 2008, fitting like hand-in-glove on Don Williams' Mojuba records. His exquisite deep and jazzy house, oozes soul via classic Detroit in a Stereociti's brilliantly original and finespun tactile way. A true stunner.
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With acclaimed releases on Crosstown Rebels and Wolf + Lamb, a debut album from the multi-talented Deniz Kurtel truly shows her productions shining. Working with different vocalists, she weaves disco-inflected electro beats, funk and soul house with killer rhythms in a strong and heartfelt album. Recommended.
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Detroit house legend Rick Wilhite delivers his debut LP on Chicago's Still Music. Opening with an incredible collaboration with Osunlade, Theo Parrish and Billy Love, the album breathes deep and sticky house grooves throughout with soulful, jackin' and trippy old-school vibes expertly flowing. Excellent!
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Panorama Bar resident Margaret Dygas releases her debut album on Japanese label Powershovel Audio following on from a handful of quality releases on Perlon and Non Standard Productions. Subtly carved textures and gentle grooves with a deeply personal and experimental feel. Highly recommended album.
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Integral figure of Germany's electronic music scene Thomas Koch releases his third album. Much of the material developed out of long jam sessions with Lopazz, showing a low-swung and heady style. Guest appearances such as Dave Aju, James Teej and Jaw of dOP contribute to a warm and solid album of soulful quirks.
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Giant package marking Marc Romboy and Stephan Bodzin's collaborative efforts since 2005. The first eleven tracks are the ace production duo's own, followed by a mighty 80-minute mix and an immense set of remixes from Moritz Von Oswald, Brendon Moeller & Robag Wruhme to name a few. Huge.
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Merwyn Sanders and Eric Lewis recorded hundreds of tracks between 1984 and 1990, but none of this material ever saw the light of day - until now. Rush Hour presents 16 tracks from the vaults of the legendary duo, all freshly mastered and utterly essential for the discerning house music fan.
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The Cocoon stable still going strong keeping an eye on the techno house quality control, with 'Compilation K' they once more showcase their output. Opening with young talent David August, strong contributions from Matt John, Argy and Sascha Dive, Tom Trago, Butch and Minilogue deep and hypnotic. Sturdy.
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Absolutely stunning, all-exclusive compilation from the Wagon Repair camp, the first since 2008's 'Wagon Repair Jack Off'. All of the label's usual suspects feature with excellent productions, from spaced-out jams to all-out party blasters: Mathew Jonson, Konrad Black, Deadbeat, Mike Shannon, Class B Band, The Mole, ... Essential!
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This year's edition of the Cologne electronic stable is as ever a compilation of the highest quality. Alongside hits from Matias Aguayo, Gus Gus and WhoMadeWho remixed by Michael Mayer are new tracks from Superpitcher, Wolfgang Voigt, Reinhard Voigt, Mohn and welcome return of Jörg Burger's The Modernist.
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DUBSTEP / HIP HOP / ELECTRO ESSENTIALS
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Modeselektor's hugely anticipated successor to 2007's 'Happy Birthday!' puts continuity before reinvention with hybrid tech-step beats, lush pads, rapid-fire basslines and an all-star cast of guest stars: Thom Yorke, Antipop Consortium, PVT and many more add their skills to this AAA major league album.
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Martyn's second album sees him continuing a finely carved trajectory, onwards and upwards he balances the wandering details of techno, driving bass of dubstep, funky future rhythms and housey sass, executed with the passion of a Michelin-starred chef. Every track a winner, hugely recommended!
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Glasgow's prodigal son has churned out so many hyperactive hits, you might think he would run out of steam. Yet his debut LP, an ingenious melting pot of 80s synth-sleaze, hiphop, r'n'b, progrock and computer game sheen, is having such a great time it's difficult not to be bowled over. Standout album of the year?
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With just a handful of self-released singles as a two-person project, before Modeselektor's Fifty Weapons began releasing him (solo) this year, the elusive Anstam delivers a stunning, multi-faceted debut album of advanced percussive states, balanced bass-depth & pressured synth textures. Outstanding.
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First full length album from Sven Weisemann's Desolate moniker sees him explore ambient, dubby atmospheres with a spine-tingling melancholy. While the Burial influence is clear, tracks like 'Pain' and 'Divinus' show how Desolate's sound fuses this emotion uniquely with his love of house and techno. Great.
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Ras G compiles his latest LP, 'Down 2 Earth', arriving this time on Ramp Recordings packed with 21 slices of raw, uncompromising hip-hop as can be expected from the acclaimed Brainfeeder-affiliated, LA-based beatmaker. Ras G is undoubtedly in a class all his own!
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The collaboration between Mark Pritchard and Steve Spacek finally drops its long-awaited LP on Warp. After delivering sneak peaks on three devastating singles, Africa Hitech's debut showcases an expertise across a wide range of broken beat styles as expected from these two extraordinary talents. Fantastic.
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Album released 31-10-2011 on !K7
A hugely individual producer, Gold Panda mixes some of his personal favourites for the DJ-KiCKS series. Opening with a new track from himself, he manages to cram Muslimgauze, snd & Drexciya alongside Zomby, Sigha and modern classics such as Untold's remix of 'Revenue'. One for the lovers!
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Compilation released 17-10-2011 on !K7
A weighty addition to !K7's fabled DJ-Kicks series: With 32 tracks of techno/house/dubstep it's a fantastic package, boasting exclusives by Sigha, Addison Groove, Jon Convex, Boddika and Scuba himself, and it's also a great mix, actually slowing down instead of speeding up during its course. Essential.
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Even after releasing five albums, Warp Records artist Bibio still has quite a lot to say when it comes to expressing his expansive sonic vision. In his sixth complete full-length, 'Mind Bokeh', Bibio wears many different hats shifting into personas varying from folky to funky and drenching every moment in blissful haze.
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Dutch-born, London-based drum'n bass producer Icicle was never one to rely on the same old formulas that are a rampant in the crowded genre. Here in his debut full-length for Shogun Audio, 'Under The Ice', he proves himself to be one of the most original and innovative talents operating in bass music today.
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Jahcoozi's Robot Koch's third solo album follows on from the intergalatical hiphop collab with John Robinson earlier this year. 'The Other Side' impresses with splayed bass, delish synths, shifty beats and vocals from John Lamonica and other guests - sweetly dark chilled electronic pop. Lovely.
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Album released 03-10-2011 on Rinse
Utter sickness from one of the best DJs in the UK bass biz, Hessle Audio co-founder and Rinse FM resident selects the premium from the nexus of darker house & techno, UKG & dubstep. New cuts from Karenn (Blawan & Pariah), Kode 9, Objekt and a blinder from Snugs amidst the treats. Essential.
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Londoner Paul White's experimental hip-hop has earned him well-deserved attention since he first appeared on One-Handed Music in 2007. With vocalists bridging UK and US, such as Guilty Simpson, Danny Brown and Jehst, his lovingly bizarre and imaginative productions make a stunning album. Recommended.
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Compilation released 18-07-2011 on Rinse
Arguably the most prominent figure to rise from the UK funky house scene, Roska compiles a massive 25-track mix for Rinse, showcasing his prowess as a DJ and producer along with favourites from his globe-trotting DJ sets. Including big tracks from Untold, Katy B, Seiji, Zed Bias and Roska himself.
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The second '50 Waepons' compilation once again features a who-is-who of bass music producers: Modeselektor lend their seal of quality to the selection and Cosmin TRG, Anstam, FaltyDL, Benjamin Damage, and Bok Bok deliver in style. Essential.
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Vienna's finest beatsmiths unite on this fine volume for local label Affine: Dorian Concept, Ogris Debris, and The Clonius team up in various incarnations, including live band JSBL, with additional input by Paul Randolph, Cosmin TRG, and Cid Rim. From abstract downbeat to wonky house, this is excellent!
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ELECTRONICA / AMBIENT ESSENTIALS
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The fifth collaboration album of Carsten Nicolai / Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto, 'Summvs' is surely a highpoint in the two exceptional artists' history of working together. Nicolai's glitches, bleeps and drones perfectly amend Sakamoto's contemplative piano work for an outstanding album. Huge.
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Perhaps one of the best, most definitive Fabric mixes ever(!), Kieran Hebden's artistry as a DJ shines strong. Field recordings of the club itself shape a journey through wayward 2-step gems, forgotten early UKF, rough edged house and techno & his own new material. A wonderful, heartfelt mix - utterly ESSENTIAL!
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While we all continue to lose sleep over Ursula Bogner's authenticity, 'Sonne = Blackbox' soothes away the agonizing uncertainty with a selection of sweet fey tape ditties and beautifully meandering synth and voice experiments. Elegant, intriguing and a great listen either way.
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Album released 14-02-2011 on kranky
Releasing this album 'Ravedeath, 1972' on Valentine's Day, enigmatic drone specialist Tim Hecker's uncanny knack for expressing contradictions in his music seems all the more poignant. Beauty in noise and serenity in chaos, a breathtaking album from a veritable master. Highly recommended.
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Following his outstanding collaborations with Blixa Bargeld and Ryuichi Sakamoto Alva Noto releases a new solo album: 'Univrs' is the spiritual successor to his 2008 classic 'Unitxt': 14 tracks of rhythm patterns and drones, executed with Alva Noto's inimitable sense for twitching funk and machine precision. Stunning.
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Kate Wax joins the Border Community camp for an album of vocal-heavy avant-synth-pop. Wax is no Whitney, but her singing style nicely fits 'Dust Collision's selection of retro-futuristic techno-pop productions. Fans of Kompakt, BPitch and Minimal Wave should give this a shot.
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After his elegant contemporary dance scores last year, Peter Broderick takes to soundtracking the documentary film 'Confluence' about the disappearance of several young girls in Idaho around 1980. The depth of despair and fear is felt without even knowing the narrative, a moving album.
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A reissue of Sven Weisemann's 2009 epic 'Xine', modern classical piano motifs augmented with finely carved out textures informed by techno and dub techno. Its cinematic depth is its striking feature, with his grandiose and emotive creation of spaces making it still an utterly moving listen.
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Commissioned by Unsound festival in Krakow in 2010, this collaboration between Ben Frost's electronic and Daníel Bjarnason's orchestral works manages to depict the poignant atmospheres of desolation, grief and emotional complexity of Tarkovsky's classic. Incredibly beautiful music.
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'Dive' is Scott Hansen's first proper album for Ghostly International, and one can quite easily picture a spectacular Californian sunset while listening to its ten tracks. Combining electronica, folk and ambient breaks, 'Dive' is an emotional, nostalgic and almost spiritual experience. Recommended.
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Twenty years since their debut 'Mbuki Mvuki' in 1991, the London electronic duo return to Warp exploring sonic territories in their expert ever-futuristic, uncompromising style. Tracks like 'tender hooks' and 'african woods' shift and pulse with poppy hyperactivity, counter-balanced with epic ambient moments.
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Warp reissues 11 EPs from Autechre's early career. If you're in any way susceptible to the legendary duo's pioneering brand of broken beat electronica and are missing some or all of these gems, here's your chance to fill those glaring gaps in your collection. Fundamental material.
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Album released 09-05-2011 on Infiné
Originally composed for the Mexican film 'La Sangre Iluminade' directed by Ivan Duenas in 2009, Fernando Corona aka Murcof's soundtrack has been specially re-edited for this release. A journey of finely balanced emotive drones and textures, poignant and absorbing with a stunning video to boot.
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Neo Ouija continues its tradition of releasing first-rate music without much fuzz or hype. NQ's 'Our Own Distance' certainly fits the bill: It's a classic electronica album fusing Raster-Noton's glitchy percussion work with elements of dub and emotional melodies. Excellent.
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Cologne's Ada's second full-length 'Meine zarten Pfoten' (My Tender Paws) appears on DJ Koze's Pampa. Sounding more tender and downbeat than 2004's 'Blondie', plucked guitars and cooing vocals open the album, with magnificent melodies, woven textures and jazzy touches making a divine listen.
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The Swedish duo of Peder Mannerfelt and Malcolm Pardon seem to attract many comparisons to the epic synth sounds of Vangelis. Indeed their latest album 'In Dust' is thick with a dystopic atmosphere of cinematic scale, a strong Kosmische feel too, the overall result is pretty damn stunning. Very recommended.
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When not rocking clubs as part of minimal house duo Ogris Debris Vienna's Zanshin has been developing his own idiosyncratic brand of glitched-up electronica breaks. With its innovative rhythms and melancholic synths 'Rain Are In Clouds' is a perfect album for fans of Autechre and early Boards of Canada.
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The main solo project of Hanno Leichtman, who in other guises works with Jan Jelinek, Andrew Pekler, Pole and David Moss, sees him creating splendid pop landscapes with strong experimental leanings, engaging years of experience with world class improvisors. Beautiful avant pop full of pleasant quirks.
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Mika Vainio's latest album sees the guitar featuring heavily, ever-skillfully asserting his abrasive sound-world. A hint at more traditional guitar usages is seen in a haunting cover of The Stooges 'Open Up And Bleed', whilst his incredible use of drones, textured noises and spaces make a gripping album.
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Seminal UK electronic act Seefeel return fifteen years after their last LP with Mark Clifford and Sarah Peacock joined by Shigeru Ishihara (DJ Scotch Egg) on bass and E-Da (Boredoms) on drums. Their definitive luscious sound reaches new terrain with the new members. Lusciously complex and a very fine album.
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Reincarnated as a vehicle for Gordon Sharp's solo productions, legendary post-punk project Cindytalk returns to Editions Mego for a third album. 'Hold Everything Dear' gracefully tackles intensity levels that range from fragile piano elegies to harmonious drone cascades on 12 inspired instrumentals. Excellent.
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After last year's largely ambient 'Small Craft On A Milk Sea' Brian Eno returns with the musically diverse 'Drums Between The Bells', which even might be called disjointed if it weren't for the lyrics by English poet Rick Holland, spoken over synthetic world music, ambient funk and punktronica by various vocalists.
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Raster-Noton presents its third album by the French-born, Berlin-based avant-garde artist/producer, Kangding Ray. Although airy and elegantly composed, something fierce and primal exists within Letellier's work - one can't help but feel a feral energy while taking in the 11 tracks comprised in 'Or'.
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Legendary Detroit producer John Beltran with releases on Peacefrog and Planet E cites his ambient works as some his own personal favourites. Via Delsin he releases this selection, recalling abstract UK electronica and 90s chillout, it's indeed quite fitting for winding down in this decade too. Lush listening.
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An excellent tribute to legendary German space rock outfit Popol Vuh: Volume one collects original tracks as well as some of their soundtracks for Werner Herzog films. Volume two has luminaries such as Moritz Von Oswald, Peter Kruder, Mika Vainio, and Schwarz/Âme/Dixon on remix/editing duties.
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British ensemble Dakota Suite release a further full-length album, showing a brighter direction in their sound. The delicate and fragile artistry still intact, with smokey jazz components roaming in melodic frames, brushed cymbals, bass, piano and electronics making a highly enjoyable listen.
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With the Ghostly reissue of his 'Cyanide Sisters' EP earlier this year, New Jersey's Com Truise's epic synth-topias have found themselves a deservedly wider fanbase. Now his debut album proper immerses in heady 80s-inspired synthscapes, buff beats and that very addictive retro-futuristic feel. Recommended.
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Album released 27-05-2011 on Subtext
Heavyweight Bristolian duo emptyset release their second full-length after 2009's epic self-titled debut and a corker for CLR earlier this year. Uncompromising and brash techno-rooted bass experimentations, a grittier, more primal take on bare electronics of Sähko and Raster Noton. Highly Recommended.
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Whilst punching holes in cards to make electronic music seems a pretty quirky idea these days, Trunk Records provide a timely reminder of these early experiments at Bell Labs including works by the recently deceased Max Mathews (after whom Max/MSP was named). A highly enjoyable history lesson.
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The fact that Roedelius and Moebius release new albums in the same month is certainly a noteworthy coincidence after all these years. If you're into industrial downbeat experiments with a touch of Drexciya and Oni Ayhun ('Bone'!) then Moebius might even have a slight edge over his former colleague. Excellent.
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The full title, 'A Young Persons Guide to Mark McGuire', is quite ironic given the artist in question is only 24 years old. This double volume compiles some of the best work of the Emeralds member: stunningly melodic guitar pluckings and drones, previously only available on limited eds CDRs and tapes. Great!
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Album released 06-05-2011 on Type
New Yorker Ezekiel Honig's latest album appears on Type, a hazy affair similar to his wonderful 'Surfaces of a Broken Marching Band'. An outstandingly beautiful fusion of delicate field recordings, gently processed acoustic instruments and distant, subtle beats that truly hits the spot. Brilliant.
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Elusive heroes of audio engineering nsi aka Tobias Freund and Max Loderbauer release the follow up to 2007's 'Plays Non Standards'. Their minimalist approach, accentuating the minutest nuances of their chosen analogue gear throughout the 24 tracks produces beautifully organic results. Awe-inspiring.
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Album released 14-01-2011 on Lidar
Starkly beautiful album by UK's Chris Hooson aka Dakota Suite and Italy's Emanuele Errante. Simple and honest, yet tender and profound pieces which masterfully weave piano, guitar and string fragments to create a stunning and emotive album.
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ALTERNATIVE / POP / DISCO ESSENTIALS
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Getting fans of excellently produced, slo-mo disco edits rather hot under the collar over the past few months, the elusive Tiger & Woods shimmy on with their debut album. Their winning soulful vocal samples spliced with loving overdoses of disco and funk make for 100% arms-in-the-air groovers. Brilliant!
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Compilation released 24-10-2011 on Strut
UK connoisseur label Strut hits us out of the blue with this utterly brilliant compilation of 80s dance tunes from Tony Wilson's legendary Factory label. Even those familiar with Factory's output will jump with joy listening to this lovingly curated collection of 24 early 12" mixes and rare tunes. Indispensable!
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Huge 25-track release combining Trentemøller's own remixes, such as Depeche Mode's 'Wrong', UNKLE's 'The Answer' and Modeselektor feat. Thom Yorke, as well as luscious versions of his tracks by Kollektiv Turmstrasse, Efterklang & Kasper Bjørke. A genre-crossing tantalising selection - must check!
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Richard Dorfmeister lifts the curtains to his private collection, compiling a lovely volume of smooth jazz, blues, and dubby slow rock greats. A wonderful soundtrack to both making out and spacing out, following the advice of Harri Stojka's closing track, 'Bau No Wos Au' - Viennese slang for 'roll another one'.
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Album released 07-11-2011 on Marble
Parisian Benoit Heitz, better known as Surkin, wields the hyperactive electroclash style of fellow French producers such as Busy P and SebastiAn, but injects it with good old 90s house styles, even featuring Inner City's Ann Saunderson and Kevin Irving on guest vocals. Fun, fizzy and full of pep.
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There's hardly a musical genre that Siriusmo hasn't studied, chopped up, and integrated into his very personal pastiche puzzle of an album. His highly anticipated full-length debut 'Mosaik' is just what you'd expect from the man: a firework of creative ideas, hugely entertaining and highly recommended.
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Hailing from Brazil and now residing in Berlin, Dominique Dillon de Bylington's chansons for piano and voice are clearly more folk-led than the usual BPitch output. Immaculately produced with experimental flair, she combines this emotionality with subtle electronics in a genuinely fresh way. Excellent vid too!
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Album released 29-08-2011 on !K7
Stereo MC's have always been interpreting contemporary dance music styles, so the indie dance pop direction of 'Emperor's Nightingale' is not really the surprise some have made it out to be. It's a concept that works best when Underworld-like stadium vibes are balanced out by a New Order style melancholy. Solid.
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'Conatus' is already the third album of super-talented 22-year-old Zola Jesus and convinces with a finely balanced blend of witch house inspired song writing, melancholic synth pop and Nika Roza Danilova’s highly distinctive singing style. Much hyped at the moment and rightfully so.
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The fourth album by Tigersushi boss Joakim sees him playing with a similar crisis-of-age theme as the recent electropop anthem 'Forever Young'. Seeped in 80s synthpop allure, full of quirky funk and disco in a sublime mellowed vibe - immaculately produced (mature) pop gems. Top.
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Sweden's Little Dragon have fast become everyone's darling since 2009's 'Machine Dreams' and subsequent collaborations with Damon Albarn and SBTRKT. Their latest album hones their sultry quirky pop sensibility with its experimental edge, excellently produced, without becoming formulaic. Sweet.
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Teaming up with Tobias Freund (tobias., nsi.) for her 14-track-strong 'Arabxilla', Venezuelan born, Berlin based Aérea Negrot delivers a labyrinthine debut album that fluently moves between chansons and abstract electronics, club and cabaret. Idiosyncratic and at times perplexing, it is nevertheless a worthwhile and powerful album.
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Album released 14-11-2011 on Infiné
On his debut album Cesar Urbina a.k.a. Cubenx fully embraces electro pop, and while there are occasional house grooves to be found on 'On Your Own Again', the majority of its tracks draws from influences that range from Spandau Ballet to experimental electronica. Impressive and recommended.
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Those keen ears at Tri Angle Records re-release How To Dress Well aka Tom Krell's debut from last year, giving it a much deserved wider audience. Singing out r'n'b essences with his own falsetto vocals, the album is steeped in melancholic grainy emotions and wholly endearing lo-fi naivety. Brilliant.
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Everybody to the sun: DJ Harvey brings his Locussolus project to the album format, and featuring the talens of Andrew Weatherall, Emperor Machine, and Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas this is a fantastic, 1:30 hours long journey of lush cosmic disco, psychedelic dubs, and krauty garage jams. Delirious.
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Super versatile album from Vienna's Makossa & Megablast, who follow up their recent hit single for Gigolo with a comprehensive full-length. Expect influences to range from Afro beat (feat. Tony Allen) over baile funk and minimal house to soulful downbeat and dub. Remarkable.
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Compilation released 21-11-2011 on Kitsuné
Kitsuné completes the first dozen of its indie/disco/punk-flavoured 'Maison' compilations wit 'The Good Fun Issue'. Despite big names like Mark Ronson on the bill, the eclectic French label puts an emphasis on its new generation of artists, resulting in a diverse album that certainly lives up to its title.
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New York's Wurst Music compiles ten brand-new tracks that showcase the stylistic breadth of modern disco. From original edit science by Native Underground to synth-driven bangers by the likes of Automan vs. Tiago and even early acid house by Nick Chacona & Anthony Mansfield. Nice one.
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Aeroplane's Vito de Luca shortens the wait for his next long player with a comprehensive DJ mix (plus single tracks) that showcases his ridiculously popular style with 13 tracks of fun-loving neo-disco pop. Will brighten up any rainy day in an instant.
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Album released 09-09-2011 on DFA
NYC's The Rapture return to DFA, recruiting Cassius' Philippe Zdar as producer. The sound is sleek and fat, their post-punk edginess smoothed somewhat with warm bass and plentiful synths, house and disco influences singing out. A fruitful combination with plenty to dance to here.
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Vienna's Wolfram Eckert strides fully into the limelight with his self-titled debut album. Guests include Hercules & Love Affair, Sally Shapiro, Patrick Pulsinger, Holy Ghost! & Legowelt not to mention euro-dance legend Haddaway (yes, that one!). A heady elixir of pure unadulterated disco-pop genius!
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Compilation released 04-07-2011 on Strut
London disco connossieurs of Horse Meat Disco release another bumper pack of boogie heritage. The first half features plenty of Salsoul classics reworked by the likes of Todd Terje and Stupid Human, while the second half works it hard in a sultry mid-tempo swing. As usual, impeccable selection!
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Grace Jones' favourably received 2008 comeback opus 'Hurricane' receives a dub makeover by Ivor Guest, who also produced the original album. Across the album's ten tracks Guest displays his prowess on the mixing board, bringing together classic styles and more contemporary dub techniques. Ace.
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Whilst Honest Jon's often brings forgotten musics to our ears, this latest set of reworks honouring Nigerian drummer Tony Allen updates the legacy of Afrobeat for today's electronic dance music - with artists diverse as Carl Craig, Diplo and Moritz von Oswald doing the honours. Incredible, essential music!
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Soundtracking historical changes in Africa in the 1960s to 80s, Honest Jon's release the second of two compilations bringing the diverse cultural mix of Nigeria to our ears. From pan-ethnic highlife style, which was to influence Fela Kuti's Afrobeat to the folkier juju, much incredibly beautiful music here.
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Album released 12-04-2011 on Strut
Ghanaian highlife guitar legend Ebo Taylor teams up with Strut to release a definitive compilation of his seminal 1970s recordings, 'Life Stories'. With such irresistible afro-beat gems like 'Love And Death' or 'Aba Yaa' this compilation showcases some of the genre's finest works and comes highly recommended.
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David Lynch seems serious enough about his foray into music to follow up his 'Good Day Today' single with an entire album. 'Crazy Clown Time' further explores the grey area between vocoded electro pop and dramatic guitar tremolos, in its best moments rivalling his film's eccentricity levels.
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Icelandic popsters FM Belfast return with a second album after 2008's 'How To Make Friends'. You wouldn't guess the core line-up has members of ambient experimentalists Múm, their bouyant and energetic blend of saccharine electro-pop bouncing with a catchy hyperactivity. Sweet.
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The new moniker of Grizzly Bear vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer Chris Taylor, aided by labelmate George Lewis Jr. of Twin Shadows produce this striking debut album. Slow synths and nimble drum programming provide the strongest tracks, a few indie ballads for the Grizzly fans too. Nice.
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Iceland's Sóley Stefánsdóttir, member of Seabear and Sin Fang shows a hugely impressive depth in her solo debut album. Somewhere in between Sigur Rós, Múm and Joanna Newsom, the piano and voice, creaky atmospheres and melancholy melodies, expose a beautiful delicacy in her songwriting.
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With the departure of Tyondai Braxton, Battles see an accomplished change of direction. 'Ice Cream' feat. Matias Aguayo marks an upbeat, gleeful and less rigid style, with psychedelic and industrial edges added to minimalist math-rock roots. Fresh!
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