Alien Communications Vinyl & CDs

Review: Goodbye Esmond, Hello Kelvin is a stylish and wide-angle look at electro that explores every different mood and groove possible. The opener is a mournful scene-setter with downbeat chords but hopeful wisps of melody. 'Micro Machines' takes flight on slick, wet claps and driving kicks and 'Beam' is a brain-cleansing bit of cosmic electro pureness. There is a coy electro-funk to 'Magic Man' that allows you to dream while your feet get stuck in and 'Citrus' is a gorgeous late-night cruise on far-sighted chords that brim with emotion. The second 12" is just as classy and packed with evocative feelings.

Review: Ukrainian DJ and producer Koloah makes a frank and mechanical style of electro, exemplified easily by his latest 'Persian Haze' EP for Alien Communications. He's also otherwise known as Tropical Echobird and Voin Oruwu, two remarkably inventive aliases to say the least, but the Koloah alias is certainly his main node. Breaking from former collabs with the likes of Nocow, Pixelord, and Vakula, the EP is stark and guttural; our highlight has to be 'Don't Mess Up', which leans most into the more minimal side of his palette, its backing pads resounding like glassy refractions heard in an infinitely mechanistic astral plane.

Review: Domenic Cappello is a long time legend of the scene who has been in the form of his life of late. As such he finally drops a much anticipated and long awaited debut album 'Basement Philosophy on Alien Communications that comes 20 years after he started making beats. Cappello's sound permeates the whole record as it traverses diverse sonic landscapes with captivating potency. Opening with 'Mushroom Waltz', dreamy pads and lively chords set the tone, leading into the soulful depths of 'Midnight with T'. 'Early Flight' builds cerebral atmospheres with characteristic snapping drums. 'Acid Rain' evokes nostalgia, while '3am Jamaica Street' pulsates with peak-time energy. 'Moon Jump' offers languid melodies reminiscent of classic Underground Resistance and electro-inspired 'Burning Past' and 'Not for Instagram DJs' conclude ta high class record in style.