Back catalogue: Classical

Review: Shanghai-based producer Knopha lands on Mule Musiq after picking up plaudits for his Nothing Nil EP on Eating Music. What he turns out here is some beautiful stuff inspired by Oriental New Age. 'Water Play' imperfectly blissed out and liquid ambient house and dub fused into something soul-soothing. Kuniyuki turns out a magical remix that has shimmering melodies and organic drum sounds washing over you then 'Palm Warmth' is all glistening melodies, celestial pads and delicate hang drum patterns that suspend you amongst the clouds. 'Prairie' shuts down with bubbly broken beats and warped leads peppered with soft shakes and more heavenly harmonies.

Review: Parisian label InFine presents Collection, a stunning anthology of Kaito's ambient works, the project of Hiroshi Watanabe, a techno veteran with nearly three decades of experience. This album compiles remastered and re-edited tracks originally released between 2020 and 2022 on Watanabe's Cosmic Signatures imprint, offering a serene sonic journey for introspection and reflection. Collection shows off Kaito's ethereal soundscapes, blending layered drones, emotive synthetic strings, and analogue harmonies that ascend to euphoric heights. Pieces like 'Summer Mood' evoke a nostalgic beauty, blending piano-led melodies with a bittersweet sense of reminiscence. The track 'Birds of Passage' features delicate, treated textures, while 'Summer Sketch' nods to the warmth of Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain with its humanistic horns. The album's beat-driven tracks stand out, with 'Silent Cloud' echoing the vibes of Mo Wax and Massive Attack, and 'Silent Sky' delivering deep basslines and subtle details reminiscent of classic downtempo electronica. Masterfully remastered by Rashad Becker, Collection is a testament to Kaito's mastery of ambient music, blending minimalism with emotional depth. Hats off to InFine, for further solidifying his place among Japan's ambient music luminaries.