Category: Quick Picks

Last Of Us LP, by Nu:Gravity

Quick Picks

Fresh from UK Future Garage label The Games We Play is the Last Of Us LP by Nu:Gravity – 11 deep atmospheric tunes with plenty of throbbing bass and shuffling rhythms. Featuring a plethora of collaborative tracks, highlighting some of the label and scenes other talent – notably EWPVTH and Sloati make an appearance, lending to the sonic diversity of the release.

If you’re not familiar with the labels output, this is a wonderful place to start, with a name-your-own-price download available as well as streaming on Soundcloud.

NEU A MENORCA 1999, by VYLTER

Quick Picks

Blissful plunderphonics and vapor wanderings from VYLTER brought to us by Tapewurm.fm. I’ve really been enjoying this labels output and this release is no exception – a tight and satisfying 4-track EP with tasty riffs and thick atmospheres. Any Change is a true jam, making the whole project worthy of repeat listens – and the track lengths are beefy enough to leave an impression without overstaying their welcome. Nice sounds for reflection or slow travel…

Perspectives, by Laffey

Quick Picks

Lovely chill-hop beats for your mellow morning from producer Laffey. Brought to us by Inner Ocean Records – this 5 track EP smacks softly with delicious beats and intoxicating melodies. Some beautiful guitar and piano work here, lots of subtle treats to make you smile. Flow has got to be my favorite track for this reason – it’s got a perfect beat, peppered with sublime reversed guitar riffs, all sitting on top of the most mellow keys possible. Perfect listen for slow mornings or rainy nights…

Twilight Magnum, by Magenta Room

Quick Picks

New from the family at Vivarium Recordings is a stellar new effort from Gareth Sloan (Halogen Star) via a new moniker Magenta Room. Lots going on in this record – holding steady to his past output, there are seriously infectious melodies and licks happening. There is also an overarching mellowness to the record – a sense of comfort and ease – making the album an almost meditative and healing experience.

Tracks like Northern Skies are simply lush beyond imagination – with big retro vibes harkening back to the best offerings from Windham Hill to touches of Eno and Emerald Web. Supremely satisfying and easy to listen to while also being rewarding to investigate deeper. If you find yourself digging it, definitely check out Gareth’s efforts under his Halogen Star moniker – a different shade of Magenta….

Gothic Tech [ RE-ViSiONED], by ASVMR

Quick Picks

Originally released last year via Vivarium Recordings and written between 2017-2018 – Gothic Tech sees a rebirth in the form of a remastered edition on Holloway Tapes. Its lush cyberpunk dystopia sounds – thick with textural and atmospheric experimentation. The project carries a slightly dark tone – slightly lost with the reinterpretation of the artwork in my opinion, though it is a aesthetically pleasing design – the sound holds true to the Gothic namesake. Huge chambers serve as worshiping centers to the code of the rhythm and bass.

Happy to see this one get a re-release. Same as it ever was, but a little bit of polish on the exterior. Definitely worth visiting again if you’re familiar, and a perfect opportunity to dive into ASVMR‘s catalog…

Cold night, by TWIN COLUMNS

Quick Picks

Nice new sounds from TWIN COLUMNS – lush and satisfying synthwave with a melancholic ambiance. Melodies and riffs for days, most of which would be at home on either a Vangelis album or perhaps Twin Peaks soundtrack. Majestic and thoughtful, with just the right splashes of nostalgia and quirk. Quite an enjoyable listen – perhaps if we’re lucky we will see a physical release for this one!

Grow Up, by kiwii

Quick Picks

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Nice new sounds from the family at DMT Tapes – Grow Up is an album by producer kiwii with big nostalgic lo-fi energy. Lots of sounds and samples reminiscent of N64 game OST’s much like the album artwork implies. I am not familiar enough with the music of the Zelda games to know if the music on this album is a direct re-interpretation or sampled direct, or simply inspired by, but either way it’s very satisfying and works perfectly as alternate music to any RPG you might be playing! Lots of delicious atmosphere and riffs here to latch onto, often times i found myself smiling at this wistful nature of the sounds, swirling innocently around me as I explore…

Tigress, by Coppice Halifax

Quick Picks

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The incredible output of Coppice Halifax continues with this wonderful double-length LP – Tigress. This commissioned 2-hour double album has an interesting story (please read via the bandcamp page!), and we are certainly lucky to have it available publicly! Aside from the unique intent and concept of the album, it’s packed with lush and warm atmospheric synthwork. Tracks built with heavy ambience, evolving into trip-hop grooves that would satisfy any Boards of Canada fan. It’s a wonderful record to throw on and get lost inside…

another effect, by 2D

Quick Picks

Delicious techno deconstruction presented to us by the gang over at Engram Recordings – we have another effect by 2D. Lush and contemplative, 2D takes the listener softly by the hand, leading us through a vibrant yet subtle jungle of sound. Lots of ideas woven together, chillhop grooves, resonating synthetic noodling, techno concepts dismantled and reconstructed into almost a pastiche of modern experimental electronics.

I found myself listening to this one over-and-over again, with repeat listens only deepening my respect and enjoyment. Land Scape 2 and Fiona are hands-down my favorite tracks from the record. Though it is only 7 tracks long – shy a long player but a bit beefy for an EP – the tracks are thick and substantial, hovering around 5 minutes a piece. The combination is actually perfect, I found myself replaying the entire record several times after listening through.

You can download the record now at Name Your Own Price via Engram Recordings Bandcamp page.

Oscar Pray For Oscar The Dog, by Snekhoose

Quick Picks

Released this past December via the wonderful Wormhole World Records – Oscar Pray For Oscar The Dog is a stellar collaborative experiment between Jonah Hebron (aka Mzungu, Cacero Lazo) and Rupert Spurrier. Coined as a blend of Folk and Drone, the duo plunges into weightless suspension with lush and luxurious soundscapes. Blending acoustic and electronic instruments, successfully blurring the boarders of both vibrations into something distinctly satisfying.

It’s worth mentioning this collaboration took place digitally across the globe, with producers living in different cities, trading files and ideas to build the sonic landscapes. I am always fascinated with these types of collaborations – this one specifically, with its patchwork meandering style, presents itself almost as a live-jam between the two artists, something that could easily be performed on the same stage, yet is being constructed over vast amounts of time and space.