Hidden By The Leaves vinyl

Two years ago, Ibrahim Alfa returned from a ten-year hiatus under the previously unseen Infinite Black alias, contributing one track to a fine split EP on Spin Dynamics. Here, he finally gets a chance to show us what he can really do, unfurling his debut album on Workshop. Allegedly set for release on Move D's Source Records back in the day, Hidden By Leaves was shelved due to bankruptcy issues, however the lovable Dave Moufang recently re-discovered the DATs leading to Alfa's work being belatedly released here. It's a brilliantly inventive and enjoyable affair, with the eight tracks variously doffing a cap to deep electro, cut-and-paste sound collages, mood-enhancing ambient, high-tempo techno, early hardcore, deep house and Motor City futurism. The breadth and variety of the album is impressive, but what makes Hidden By The Leaves stand out is its' warmth and melodiousness.