Back catalogue: Techno (All)

Review: As of now, Kiasmos - the duo of Olafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen - are superstars on the international progressive electronica circuit. It crept up on us that they've only released one other album to date, with the bulk of their output having been limited so far to EPs and singles. II is the follow-up to its apt nominal counterpart, Kiasmos (I), and yet this time hears the pair strike out against the stark piano and electropop influences for which they were initially celebrated. Another key difference is that while the first Kiasmos record was made in the space of two weeks - getting at the sense of effortlessness that might accompany the initial burst of inspiration felt by artists when they start a new alias - II was made over the course of ten years and charts a remarkably different approach to music production.

Review: Kiasmos, the dynamic duo of olafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen, returns with their long-awaited second album, II. This vinyl is a celebration of their evolution over a decade since their self-titled debut in 2014. Known for blending minimal techno with orchestral flourishes, Kiasmos has refined their sound, adding richer textures and a sense of place and space. II opens with Grown, setting a delicate atmospheric tone that showcases their matured sound design. Tracks like 'Dazed' highlight their innovative use of traditional Balinese percussion and field recordings, creating immersive auditory landscapes. The album seamlessly transitions from electronic to classical and rave, maintaining their signature style of whisper-quiet ambience evolving into explosive dance beats. Songs like 'Sailed' and 'Laced' exemplify their knack for blending intricate percussion with organic synths, resulting in tracks that are both effervescent and serene. olafur's cinematic influence and Janus's DJ experience shine through, pushing the boundaries of genre with frenetic broken beats and catchier melodies. The grand strings recorded with SinfoniaNord add a majestic layer to the complexities, making II a truly expansive work.