What do you get when you combine the enigmatic sounds of Shackleton's enchanted polyrhythms with the vocals of eccentric Italian performance artist Ernesto Tomasini? Devotional Songs, that's what. This intriguing collaboration presents itself four long playing tracks honoured with a side of vinyl each. The music itself sways from wind chimed ambient grooves and percussive tubular bells to theatrical synth pop. The D-side's "Father, You Have Left Me" is the most shamanic/demonic production on here, while "You Are The One" is a gentle, summery and cautiously upbeat affair. Like nothing else you'll hear this year, it's one for the record collection (not the hard drive) and it's an undeniable, truly singular collaboration.

Alexis Le-Tan, Kenny Hanlon (Apartment Records), Kondaktor