Interchill Compilation
I must confess
that this album was on my Bandcamp wish list, so I was delighted when
Woodzee offered me the chance to review it.
First thing that
struck me is the beautiful artwork adorning the front cover- the
morning sun (I assume), in a clear blue sky partially hidden by the
girder of a bridge. A perfect moment of stillness.
The artwork
appropriately sets the mood for the music contained within. This is a
selection obviously compiled with great love and attention to detail
and as such it seems a bit churlish to have favourites. In saying
that I’m going to single out the tracks that I either knew
beforehand or grabbed my attention at first listen
First off is the
effusive tones of Bruce Bikerton aka Alucidnation. I’ve known of
Bruce’s music for a good few years now and love the warmth and
generosity of his stuff. I was lucky enough to have Bruce compile a
sublime selection for my radio show a year or so ago-
(https://hearthis.at/thehouseoftheflyineyball/network16-alucidnation/)
Next up is the
sublime Tom Green aka Another Fine Day with a track from his most
recent album ‘A good place to be’. On remix duties is Greg Hunter
who comes up with a delightful little twist taking in elements of Dub
and Didgeridoo. The Kaya Project's 'Desert Phase' (Hibernation
remix) is a more up-tempo offering, yet still proves to be a gorgeous
slice of aural sunshine.
This is followed
by the dreamy vocals of ‘To Mend’ by Bluetech & Lynx &
Janover. I must admit that I far prefer this version to the harder
original with the softer approach that Bluetech has taken the piece.
Whilst Tom's 2nd inclusion on this compilation is the
delicate and playful ‘Dusty Feet’. This track is the aural
equivalent of summer rain, all light and refreshing
Spiral System
follows up perfectly with the aptly named ‘Rain’. A great bass
line provides the foundation for a lazy, hazy meander. Then Liquid
Stranger takes us for a little diversion into ‘Zero Gravity’
before the brief interlude of Sunmonx laid back number ‘Run’.
Then the Kaya Project return with their second offering the even
shorter, but appropriately named ‘Flicker’. Short but extremely
sweet.
Sinepearl serve
up the aptly named and blissful ‘Ceremonial Tea’ and Ishq follows
with a sublime slice of ambience. Best let these last two just work
their subtle magic over you and please don’t attempt to operate any
heavy machinery!
Alucidnation
return for their second offering ‘Genetics’. This time remixed by
the incomparable Mixmaster Morris in his much loved Irresistible
Force incarnation. For me Morris can pretty much do no wrong and this
track has long been a favourite of mine. I’m very much looking
forward to the new Irresistible Force album seeing the light of day,
hopefully in the New Year.
Liquid Stranger
finishes off the delights with a final slice of excellence, which
puts me in mind a little bit of Global Communications, remix of
Chapterhouse ‘Pentamerous Metamorphosis’. Which is no bad thing
at all.
In my honest
opinion this is a sublime selection of chilled and ambient tunes to
keep away the winter chill and I heartily recommend adding this to
your collection.
Reviewed by
Matthew Foord
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