LAKE HAZE Vinilo y CD

Review: Lake Haze has landed on a wide array of labels from Shall Not Fade to Time Is Now but always his music exudes the same great qualities - electro, acid, techno and prog doused in gorgeous ambient designs. He exhibits that again on this new EP for Atlantic Thunder which kick off with the gurgling synths and tanging bass notes of 'First Contact'. Silky arps are what ensure it takes flight through the cosmos, though. 'Niburi Ritual' has a darker mood and heavier kick patterns and 'Ionosphere' is a supple and lithe electro workout that channels the best of Detroit. A fine sense of menace and end of the world finality then characterises the excellent closer 'No Escape.'

Review: What do we think of when someone says the word 'ambient'? Maybe a stupid question, nevertheless the term is often taken as an implication of background sounds, or at least tracks that are loosely structured around ebb and flow rather than rigid forms. In no way a criticism, Luke Haze's Pure Movements offers a counterbalance to that idea.
Dropping on Bristol's Shall Not Fade - essentially an imprint you might as well buy every release from without bothering to listen - this link was always going to be a bit of a clue as to what's on offer. In many ways, the four tracks here play out like breakdowns within late night club sets, hints of euphoria, an atmosphere of build, informed by acid, progressive and techno, but certainly none of the above.

Review: Lake Haze's third album on Shall Not Fade is another triumph with his signature shimmering melodies strung out over lush beats. Drawing on house, disco, garage and broken beat it is a rich affair with a strong UK vibe. There is elegance and symphony to opener 'Xyleac' that immediately gets your head amongst the stars. 'Diluspth' keeps up the majestic synth while 'Bbyncole' is double-speed techno with balmy celestial synths and hurried bass that locks you in. Tender ambient pieces like 'Shores Of Eternal Life' reset the mood and then the second half is a series of shorter sketches packed with electronic soul.