Collected: Vol 1

  It’s been a long time since I’ve done any type of blogging on here. A lot has changed since I was writing reviews more regularly. The last time I did this kind of thing, I titled it “Passing By” (for obvious reasons), and I’m not even sure those posts made it over with the site migration. Perhaps one of the biggest shifts in the past few years, is that, other than still collecting vinyl, I am collecting more and more music on Bandcamp. And to be honest, I still feel like there’s space for people to be talking about all the great music released on the platform. I see so many brilliant albums come and go, disappear into oblivion. Bandcamp has its columns, but even those don’t scratch the surface (and tend to be a little swayed to certain styles it seems). So, here I am again, hopefully holding up a few more ambient, electronic (or any related genre tbh - you know what to expect by now) gems. Old and new. Let’s hope I can keep this rolling. I’ll keep it to five… for now, with words at a bare minimum. No pressure. No agenda. You could also follow my collection on Bandcamp, but… maybe this approach will be less transactional.Inhmost - Breaks and DreamsInhmost is a much-admired artist in our small circles, through his many styles and label appearances, his quality rarely dips. His latest on UK label Tonight’s Dream Recordings (many gems to be found in there) is quite fittingly, Simon at his Schnauss-ian best. And by that I mean - yes - beautiful drum (break) programming, nostalgic feels, upbeat, and all the melodies for window watching. Breaks and Dreams by Inhmost Casino Versus Japan - Tagebuch einer VerlorenenWithin the first 2 seconds of hitting play, you KNOW CVJ is back in the room. That analog whirrrrr, on Schnee… I didn’t realize how much I have missed Casino Versus Japan until I got through this album. Announced without fanfare, and maybe his best work yet, everything about this album harkens back to the early days on this site and stumbling across an agenda-less nostalgic sound that just hits right. Tagebuch einer Verlorenen by Casino Versus Japan Gimmick - Analog Dream PlantsAcid-tinged electronics on the Sound Synthesis remix come close to succeeding the original from Gimmick, but the pure simplicity and beauty of the original track, retains #1 spot for me. Remix EPs are hard to pull off, but every one of these gems has its own flair (and BPM!). Snagged the vinyl. Analog Dream Plants by Gimmik Vidění - The Land Of CloudsI like to think South Korean label Oslated has done an amazing job at continuing the legacy of the much loved yet now hibernating Silent Season label, through its deep techno aesthetics. This latest by Vidění is no exception, with airy dub techno and washes of nature infused throughout. Funny, as I look now, I see Shaded Explorer on mastering duties and a remix to book-end the album (an artist who made appearances on Silent Season). I surprise myself sometimes. The Land Of Clouds [OSL033] by Vidění