October selections
A selection of music I’ve picked up / been enjoying recently.
UMAN - Chaleur Humain
I don’t know what to say about this one. It is rather goofy in an early ‘90s kind of way. This is what really came through when checking samples, but I am glad I listened to the album fully. Not quite sure what it is, but the odd combo of influences comes together in a delicate blend that just barely works.
Nadia Struiwigh - Pax Aurora
I don’t know much about the artist, but I check everything that Nous'klaer Audio puts out and this is a good example why I do. It is a consistent label, and it has nice to see it has been picking up momentum. The album takes a bit of time to find its way, but it gets there with the 5th track, ‘Starring’, being the pivot on which the whole release turns. The latter half is much stronger, and Struiwigh shows a lot of promise here.
HTRK - Rhinestones
It is a new album by HTRK. Nothing more needs to be said.
William Selman - Saccades
There is something that really attracts me to Selman’s productions - the textures, the space, the atmosphere he creates. What I like about his new album is that he has developed and pushed his sound forward, right at a time when it felt like he was getting close to getting stuck in a bit of a creative cul-de-sac.
Picnic - Bonus
This remix package is out on Daisart, a label I’ve started following closely after an excellent Australian ambient comp and a great album from Ju Ca. The original Picnic album is nice, but I wasn’t totally sold on it. Likewise, the remix comp is uneven, but it has versions from Nadia Khan and NWAQ, which are more than enough for me, the rest are indeed bonus time…
Dan Bean - Thus
Probably best known for his project with Surgeon, The Transcendence Orchestra. On ‘Thus’, here he demonstrates his solo abilities. Dan is someone who just has a good sense and taste, he recommends some really great music on his twitter. I need to spend more time with this release, but liking it so far.
Sarah Davachi - Antiphonals
The neo-classical direction that Davachi has been moving in has been less matching with my tastes, so this new album is a welcome surprise. The first track is an example of what I don’t like so much, but after that I find the album comes together in a way that is more balanced, not too heavy or stern.
Jo Johnson live
Not much to say really… Jo’s style of ambient - beautiful, lush, inviting - is one that very much appeals to my tastes. It is good being able to appreciate her sound in the context of a live set. All recordings are equally worth checking.