Tags: Minimal

Review: Three is the long-awaited twelfth studio album by electronica titan Four Tet, following a long extended 'wildcard era' characterised by legal battles (well, one) and unlikely, curveball stints with fellow juggernauts Skrillex and Fred Again. But despite this judgment, Three hears Kieran Hebden return to his earliest forms, with the semi-eponymous 'Three Drums' recalling his earliest outcroppings emergent from his Fridge days, via slow, crisp breaks and serene string pads. 'Loved', similarly, evokes a 90s hip-hop, dare say Britcore fascination, melded with warmingly serene analogue pulsations, underlaid.

Review: There's been a deservedly renewed interest in the work of Brian Cavender aka Seafoam in recent times. The Denver-based producer was most active in the early noughties, with some now highly sought after releases on seminal imprints such as Los Angeles' Guidance Recordings and Straylight, as well as San Francisco's Lo-Rise Recordings. Several years back, Paris-based Rue De Plaisance began to reissue some of Cavander's work for a new generation of diggers. Now fellow Denverites Deep Club present brand new material by him on the Swing Set EP, with three deep, dubby and hypnotic minimal house cuts, all delivered in his idiosyncratic style. Absolutely perfect tackle for the afterhours, with a remix on the flip by Berlin-based Snad.

Review: Marc Leclair may have become best known for his Akufen work in the 00s, but his Horror Inc work is surely some of his finest. Taking the slinky micro house he pioneered and turning it to more cinematic purposes, his last album under the name was 2013's incredible Briefly Eternal on Perlon. Now he revives the project with this expansive suite for Ohm Hourani's Anoma label, which is appropriately tipped towards jazzy subtleties within machine music. With each release, Horror Inc becomes a deeper, subtler concern, and so it goes on this record where the springy, swung patterns are offset by half-hidden melodic murmurs and a generous dose of mystery as Leclair takes his conceptual project further into the realms of playfully spooky micro jazz.

Review: Ten year anniversary? Has it really already been ten years since Recondite's sophomore album 'Hinterland' came out?! Recondite almost single-handedly was responsible in many peoples eyes for the resurgence in techno during the early 2010s. After beating down the doors of Ghostly International for many years, the fans finally get their wish in the shape a new, shiny reissue. Coming on smokey black vinyl this time, nobody has a reason to not have this record in their collection. Included are legendary tracks like 'Stems', 'Clouded' and 'Leafs'. Many think that not only is this the best Recondite album but one of the best techno albums of the year 2013.

Review: Arutani's third album Who We Used To Be is a meditation on times passed and alternate lives lost, filtered through the decorative lenses of deep, minimal, tech and dub. As if to paint a character portrait of the artist himself, this is a measured, calm, light, mindful and modest album, replete with bulging concave chord undulations and synaptic percussive snaps for balance. Everything from electro's usual dotted rhythmic pattern to progressive house's woodblocky felicities are checked off here, plus the glissando'ing lead on 'In Case You Wondered What I've Been Doing' is a special highlight.

Review: Gjidoda Music returns with its long awaited third release. It's another various artists affair featuring some right heavy hitters and newcomers alike on the minimal scene. Opening up the first side is US veteran Bruno Pronsato with the typically arcane microhouse cut 'When You Ran Away From Home', followed by some late night mood music by Iljir on 'Ziiik Zaaak'. Over on the flip, Nikdo takes you into a cavernous and glacial realm on 'Confusion' and finally label chiefs (presumably!) Gjidoda & Gjidoda Jr go deep on the swing-fuelled groove action of 'Wish To Be A Movie Star'.

Review: A masterclass in various examples of downtempo music, with each track on the double 12" showcasing Honne's pristine production, blending mesmerizing melodies with atmospheric soundscapes. Highlights include:'Viaggio' captivates with its enchanting melody, pulsating sub bass, and an air of mystery, while 'Longing' provides a tranquil interlude, with gentle ambient textures creating a sense of serenity. 'Come & Get' transports listeners with its evocative echoes and poignant tones. The album's cornerstone, 'Homage To Daylight', is an emotional journey. Its sweeping melody, melancholic undertones, and intricate IDM beats evoke a surreal and introspective atmosphere. With its blend of ethereal beauty and infectious grooves, this is a big indicator that LB Honne is a producer to keep an eye out for.