Back catalogue: Modern Classical

Review: This new one from our favourite US ambient outlet takes the form of a selection of long-form compositions from artists who are close to the label. As such it's a perfect reflection of its signature sound - deeply immersive soundscapes, slowly shifting synths and meditative moods made with a mix of hardware tools, guitars, pedals and even baritone vocals. It's named after a Norwegian term for warmth and intimacy, which certainly plays out from the evolving loops of 'A Whisper' to the textured melancholy of 'Canaan' and the reverberant drift of 'Coronation Ring'.

Review: It's been two whole years since we last had anything from Frederik Valentin and Loke Rahbek as a team. 2020's Elephant lost out on the attention it deserved thanks to the whole "is the world falling apart" vibe of the time, but, much like it's predecessor, Buy Corals Online, it was a real little masterpiece everyone should have on their shelves. If indeed anyone has shelves for music anymore.
Here we are with their third collaborative record, then, and the standard remains impeccably high. Originally made to accompany a special screening of Chris Maker's travelogue documentary Sans Soleil during Danish screen festival CPH:Dox, the music here is at times deep and experimental, more sound art that tunes per se, while in other moments life-affirming and fully formed into really powerful tracks, blending elements of ambient, upbeat and positive indie guitars, rhythmic synthdom, and more, each vignette evokes different settings, styles, and feelings, making for a tangible sonic narrative in its own right.

Review: This a compilation that means more than just good music - 100% of label profits from the sales will be donated to Livyj Bereh, a group of volunteers based in Kyiv who are working in regions affected by the war. It is a superb collection of mellow sounds and ambient atmospheres with some surprising leftfield cuts and curious curveballs along the way. First up, curating the A-side, is Ukrainian Muscut who has turned to artists from his homeland only - Kavkazka Sound, Radiant Futur, Mlin Patz, Iury Lech and Ihor Okuniev all contribute while Estonian Mida then takes care of the flip with Portuguese trio Niagara in between Estonians Maarja Nuut, Rotrum, Luurel Varas and Terry Long Hermy.