Solens Arc

This fourth album from experimental techno producer Kangding Ray (real name David Letellier) is based around a loose but intriguing concept. According to the producer, the 12 tracks were arranged to form four distinct musical arcs - one for each side of the double gatefold vinyl release. This compositional tool gives the album a rising and falling feel, as crunchy, distorted, pulsating dancefloor techno (see "Evento", "Blank Empire" and "Another Decay") gives way to spooky IDM ("Transitional Ballistics"), stargazing electronica ("Apogee", "History of Obscurity") and crystalline ambience ("The River"), before beginning the cycle all over again. The themes can be distilled further, too, with Solens Arc coming on like an extended battle between the contrasting forces of darkness and light.

Exium, Peter Van Hoesen, Mark Forshaw, 3.14, Edit Select, Untold, Adriana Lopez, Archie Pelago, Inigo Kennedy, Downliners Sekt