Search results: Unicorn

Review: Given that Four Tet's recent 0181 LP was comprised of material from Kieran Hebden's archives, and last year's Pink was largely compiled of tracks from the previous 18 months of 12" releases, it seems fair to say that Beautiful Rewind is his first proper album since 2010's There Is Love In You, and as such, it arrives with some degree of expectation. The past few years have seen the producer engage increasingly with the dancefloor, and these rhythms are most definitely present across the LP, particularly in the jungle breaks of "Kool FM", pirate radio-influenced techno of "Buchla" and hesitant dubstep style rhythms of "Parallel Jalebi". For the most part however Beautiful Rewind is as varied as the likes of Rounds and There Is Love In You, with the minimalist kosmische of "Ba Teaches Yoga", analogue gurgles of "Crush" and dawn chorus sounds of closer "Your Body Feels" all as beautiful as his most enduring tracks.

Review: Mick Harvey has collaborated with Mexican artist Amanda Acevedo on a series of duets that make up this new album, Phantasmagoria in Blue. The 14 tracks have been taken from a mix of already existing duets, songs that were not duets, as well as some translations from Spanish and one of two original new pieces. The themes running through out it are common to us all - mortality, love and our endless, hapless search for meaning. The resulting record plays out with lush melodies and lots of richly emotional sounds that provoke plenty of thought and reflection.

Review: German innovator Boris Brejcha had a couple of solid releases drop at the tail end of December 2022. As well as an entire double pack of fresh tunes he has also served up this Club Vibes Part 05 12" on Harthouse. 'Black Unicorn' opens up and is a playful tech groove with some bright melodies dropping in from above as a twisted bassline and crispy drums get you locked in below. On the flipside is 'Sit Back & Take It Down' which is another lively and elastic groove with colourful chords and some dark vocals over blasts of synth. Two useful tech tools for sure.

Review: Nico Motte is intrinsic to the story of Antinote Records, having designed the majority of the French label's sleeves through his Check Morris agency as well as recording an LP and EP in the past. Favouring the allure of vintage synth gear and that slightly hauntological vibe which sometimes finds a home on Antinote, he returns with a new LP which paints vivid scenes in warmly hued shades, heavy on the synthesis and turning to a variety of highly visual moods. The move from the blissful sundown serenity of 'Brain Freeze' to the subtly spooky creep of 'Wew Nave' is a perfect case in point, bringing to mind all kinds of scenarios to match the music. If you appreciate the library music of days gone by and stylish, imaginative uses of classic synth sounds, you're going to love this album from the first beat to the last.