Juno Recommends Ambient / Drone September 2018

Review: Glasgow based 12th Isle present some experimental cinema sonics by Vladimir Karpov. Electroacoustic research practice and shadowy wind instruments come together to form this unique interpretation of the mythical city of gold. Utilising rare, half forgotten Soviet era synthesisers, Karpov creates immersive soundscapes under the name XYR. The Formanta mini keytar and the Alisa 1377 lend Karpov's music strange, seldom heard atmospheres which the St. Petersburg native then combines with field recordings, toy percussion and wood flute to further build upon his utopian narratives. Part concept album, part nod to Popol Vuh, his attempt to channel the thematics of the ancient tale of the Muisca people through his modest home studio.

Review: Raul Lovisoni and Francesco Messina's seminal LP from 1979 Prati Bagnati Del Monte Analogo not only introduced the world to the work of two gifted composers, but is also notable for being produced by electronic pioneer Franco Battiato. Both central figures within the Italian avant-garde, they were part of a generation of artists who contributed to a radical rethinking of musical practices and composition. They reveal Minimalism as it's rarely known: with delicate melodies, subtle harmonic interplay and incorporating diverse creative traditions - slowly giving way to an ever-expanding open space. Skirting the outer edges of ambient, new age and experimental music, the LP has a transformative beauty unlike anything else.

Review: Since leaving his hardcore metal drummer past behind, Olafur Arnalds has gone on to become one of the most lauded composers and producers of his generation, balancing experimental work that blends neo-classical movements with most rock and abstract electronics, with acclaimed work for film and television. Re:member is the Icelander's first album since working on the Broadchurch soundtrack and undeniably his most high profile release to date. It's also fiendishly cutting edge, utilizing specially created software to trigger new sequences (as well as randomized electronic feedback) on two pianos chained to his primary instrument. These elements, naturally mixed with strings, live percussion and the multi-instrumentalist's own considered electronics, combine to create a mesmerizing and thoroughly absorbing album.

Review: Since Emeralds disbanded earlier in the decade, Steve Hauschildt has impressed with a serious of largely overlooked albums on Kranky that showcased his innate ability to craft distinctly melodic music that sits somewhere between IDM, slowly shifting ambient, droning soundscapes and more ethereal home listening techno. Dissolvi, his first album for Ghostly International, could well be his most accomplished solo work to date. While it explores similar sonic territory to previous full-length releases, the set is bolder, more atmospheric and, at times, intensely beautiful. While undoubtedly fresh, those with long memories will note audible nods to ambient and deep techno greats of the early 1990s, including Jonah Sharp (Spacetime Continuum), Pete Namlook and, most obviously, Boards of Canada. In a word: timeless.

Review: Erased Tapes founder Robert Raths has stated that the objective of 1+1=X was to create a zeitgeist that captured the value of experimenting and reacting to each other as artists. In real time and in the same confines. It marks the tenth anniversary for the imprint, with this collection of exclusive songs from every artist on the label. Originally released on vinyl for Record Store Day 2018 back in April, this features all the original tracks, where they share instruments and each others' capabilities during a residency at Vox-Ton studio in Berlin. Highlights include label staple Nils Frahm's melancholic "Frau Dehlholm", Kiasmos teaming up with Hogni Egilsson on the emotional deep house of "Zebra" and the always impressive Peter Broderick on the bittersweet symphony of "The Perpetual Glow".

Review: As you see this, you're probably expecting a reissue of a 70s LP, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Tangerine Dream, one of the most mythical bands to come out of Germany in the early 70s, is still in operation and they're current line-up consists of Thorsten Quaeschning, Ulrich Schnauss and Hoshiko Yamane, who recorded a series of live gigs that took place in 2017, both in Budapest and Hong Kong. These two sides of vinyl are the result: "Blue Arctic Danube" opens up the A-side with a swarm of monumental drones and electronic effects, crystal-clear in the composition and together making an unforgettable soundscape; on the B-side, "Gladiatonial Dragon", recorded in Hong Kong, is a much more detailed piece of music, turning the drones and effects into beatless grooves that paint a fine picture of the sort of band that TD have become. We think they're sick. Don't miss this!

Review: There's a heart-warming tale behind "The Garden of Unearthly Delights", the debut album from the "proudly independent and unsigned" sound explorer Die Hexen. This limited-edition vinyl version was funded thanks to a crowd-funding campaign initiated by the producer some 18 months ago. It's great that he secured the funding, because as debut albums go, it's rather good. Informed by John Carpenter style horror soundtracks, deep space ambient, experimental electronica, drone and neo-classical, the album is packed with emotive and atmospheric soundscapes capable of rousing the senses. There aren't many copies floating round, so move fast to avoid disappointment.

Review: While Ekin Fil is a core member of the Proudpilot band, the Turkish artist has his own thing going on in the ambient space. And we're pretty into it. Coming through with his fourth LP for the legendary Helen Scarsdale Agency, a label set up in 2003 and featuring talents such as BJ Nilsen, Omit and Spiracle, Maps is another long exploration into the blending of electronics and acoustics, where pianos are surrounded by all sorts of subtle synth chatter. With a grand total of nine voyages, all of them largely beatless, it is difficult to describe Ekin Fil's music with anything beyond emotions. In fact, this album, much like his previous works, is something that you feel rather than hear, and will surely create an inimitable vibe of meditation wherever you choose to play it.

Review: You'll probably know Japanese percussionist Midori Takada from a recent reissue of her wonderful 1983 album, Through The Looking Glass, a piece of work that is often associated to the Balearic wave and the endlessly reinvented wheel that is ambient and drone. However, unlike many cheap imitations, Takada's music comes from the soul, or rather, from a purely spiritual point of view in terms of execution. The legendary artist is joined by Lafawndah, a young vocalist from NYC, and together they have conjured an awesome one-sider for Germany's mythical K7 imprint. "Le Renard Bleu" is a spectral voyage of gently morphing sounds, composed largely of subtle chimes and placid percussion, constantly evolving to reach a tumultuous peak of abstract sonics where Lafawndah's voice is transformed into mist. Wonderful.

Review: Ambient enthusiasts have long cherished Keith Kenniff's full-length excursions under the Helios alias, but now his particular brand of quiet contemplation and musical mind massage looks set to reach a wider audience. Ghostly International has snapped up this eighth studio album, a fine set that subtly flips his usual script while retaining Kenniff's trademark languid chords, soft focus production style and yearning, slowly unfurling melodies. He says there's more focus on "texture and harmony" and less adherence to musical rules and song structures. This might be the case, but the results are every bit as alluring, poignant and spiritual as any of his previous albums.