Downtempo Recommendations Best Of 2012

Review: Whereas certain trends and producers regress or digress at a moment's whim, ESP Institute remain steadily on their own unique stylistic path overseen by Andrew Lovefingers Hogge from his NYC base and propelled gently on the wave of critical acclaim afforded to the litany of diverse artists that release on the label. Following serene and sublime dancefloor emissions from Michael Ozone and Young Marco, ESP Institute invite you to bask in something even gentile with the self titled debut album from Land Of Lights. A collaborative project from ESP regular Johnny Nash and former Spectral Empire producer Kyle Martin that's been in gestation for some time, Land Of Lights comes with the advance warning that "if you don't have time to really listen, please do not buy this record. If your mind is not ready to unwind, please do not buy this record". "Flares" sets the tone that justifies this warning, laying down all manner of meditative textures before any discernable rhythmic force appears. While that opening track is undoubtedly the most expansive production from Nash and Martin, the subsequent five productions retain the sumptuous levels of production throughout and it'd be a truly angry man to reach the end of "Higher Love" in anything other than a blissful high.

Review: Making their intentions clear from the offset, Seahawks are proudly representing all things water-based once again on their sixth album. It's impressive that they've managed to notch up so much material considering they only started releasing in 2010, but they've obviously struck upon a sound that fits them and are mining it for all its worth. It's a dreamy kind of downtempo that has whispers of disco and funk, all carefully guided through heavy processing that emphasises the tidal swell of their elemental muse. It's a decidedly chilled-out affair that favours strung out jams to focused composition, coming on just a little prog but sounding no weaker for it.

Review: When Irish producer Brendon Gregoriy first burst onto the scene in the mid 2000s, he was renowned for the grandiose, melody nature of his floor-filling techno outings (who can forget his superb "Hundulu" single on Delsin). In recent years, he's mellowed somewhat, and this second full-length - some seven years after his debut - largely explores downtempo pastures. Of course, this is nothing new for Gregoriy, but the sheer melodic beauty and production depth displayed on Death By Misadventure is a step up from his previous work. There are nods to Northern Exposure era prog, but the music itself - gently percussive, glistening and occasionally delightfully hypnotic - is much more contemporary than that.

Review: Man of many mellow talents Chris Coco returns with his latest studio album, further developing his love for the tender side of Balearic bliss. The guitars pick softly, the guest singers croon a soothing tale, and the trumpets exhale as laconically as possible while still emitting sound. As ever there's a gentle hum which hovers over every track, neatly holding the album together while it moves through different styles from traditional ballads to a light kind of reggae. If you need an immaculately produced relaxation aid in your life, this album may just be the ticket.

Review: Six years after the release of their first inspirational Late Night Tales mix, fey Scottish post-indie miserablists Belle & Sebastian unveil a second volume. Given the unusual and exciting nature of their first collection, hopes are naturally high for Volume 2. Thankfully, it's every bit as odd, enjoyable and enlightening as the first mix. Psychedelic folk-pop, Indian soul, Balkan beats, Spanish crooners, Chanson ballads, film soundtrack compositions, Gold Panda, The Lovin' Spoonful, dancehall, The Pop Group and Pete Shelley all feature, alongside a range of thrillingly strange records that defy easy categorization. As a collection of music, it's breathtakingly brilliant.

Review: The Spanish "luxury bar and venue" chain Purobeach was one of the first to launch a tie-in compilation series. Here, they reach their eighth installment. Stalwart Ben Sowton mixes the first disc, moving between a variety of sun-kissed, soft focus moods and jazzy, downtempo grooves. His melodic track selection includes tracks and mixes from White Elephant (a Crazy P side project), James Bright and Boot Cut Rockers. Graham Sahara lifts the tempo a little on disco two, focusing on vaguely Balearic nu-disco and deep house from the likes of PBR Streetgang, Maxxi Soundsystem, Toomy Disco and perennial chill-out fave Lisa Shaw.

Review: After IUEKE's stormy techno we wanted to head for something more laid back and luminous, something more summerish. Antoine Kogut brings us this perfect three tracker largely inspired by his wide culture of Euro-Jazz, Afro and Proto-Electronics curiosities. Antinote is really glad to add this sentimental UFO to its catalog and to welcome this brilliant and talented artist in the crew. As the first release of the label, it's a matter of groove mixed up with sensitivity, and fragility. Both unclassifiable and really respectful of the good'ol french traditions (from Bernard Estardy to Air), Syracuse is just giving their most sincere joyful vibrations and their love for non-stigmatized music.