Leftfield Recommendations August 2011

Review: The news that arch mystic sonic brewers Hype Williams had been signed up for single duties on Hyperdub might have seemed odd at first, but listening to the four tracks here proves that it was a sound move. There's a bewitching sensation that creeps over the hazed, lo-fi beatdown jams that ensures you keep flipping the vinyl over repeatedly to seek out the subtle sonics beneath. At times it sounds like Dean and Inga have been watching Akira on the reg, with the chimed melodies present on "Rise Up" and "Badmind" certainly reminiscent of the iconic anime's soundtrack. As with previous output from the group, Kelly Price W8 Gain Vol II is likely to split opinion but for those ardent fans this is an essential purchase.

Review: Although widely regarded within the electronic music community as a serious talent, John Beltran hasn't always got the wider recognition his brilliant work so richly deserves. That may have something to do with the eclectic nature of his output, or even the unfashionable status of ambient music; either way, there's no denying the quality of his downtempo work in particular. This timely 'best of' for Delsin gathers together the cream of his ambient works so far, including tracks previously released by Peacefrog and R&S. It's a brilliant, life-affirming set, encompassing 15 beautiful pieces that joyously move between glistening IDM, bubbling soundscapes and chiming electronica. If you're at all interested in either ambient or electronica, you need it in your life.

Review: Acclaimed Glaswegian beat maker Hudson Mohawke continues his relationship with electronic music heavyweights Warp with a distinctly positive sounding mini-album. For those who've followed the Numbers man's blossoming career, the musical contents of Satin Panthers will be no surprise - though the sheer wide-eyed bliss and rush-inducing feel of tracks like "Octane" and "All Your Love" - a brilliant fusion of starburst electronics, sped-up vocal samples and snappy percussion - may thrill more than usual. Throughout, there's a rainbow-tinted, high definition finish that ensures a life-affirming feel so often previously lacking from the earnest Glaswegian's rhythmically complex works. As a result, Satin Panthers is a delirious blast of fresh air.