Juno Recommends Leftfield: October 2024

Review: Music From Memory totally recall and compile this next instalment in their popular multi-artist compilation series, Virtual Dreams. This time centring on Ambient Explorations In The House And Techno Age, Japan 1993-1999, this second edition in the series follows on from the first released in 2020, and continues to shine a light on the house and techno-adjacent music that helped redefine the definition of ambient music during the 1990s. While the first focused on Europe, we venture far further East here, primarily riffing on the many ambient flows and sequential somnaumblisms eminent from the J-shaped isle from the time, including the trans-missive floater, 'Phoenix At Desert' by Akio and the pulse-tidal electro phaseout, Web's 'The Cycle Of Seasons'.

Review: Current 93's latest album, Sketches of My Nightmares, is a collection of fractured musical scribblings that evoke a sense of dreamlike wonder and disorientation. The album is a tapestry of skittering sounds, strange tape loops, and other outlandish noises that weave together to create a haunting and evocative atmosphere. One of the highlights of Sketches of My Nightmares is Tibet's haunting vocals. His voice is both ethereal and powerful, conveying a sense of vulnerability and longing. The lyrics, which are often cryptic and enigmatic, add to the album's dreamlike quality. Overall, Sketches of My Nightmares is a masterpiece of avant-garde music. It is a record that is both challenging and rewarding, and one that will leave a lasting impression on the listener.

Review: Depeche Mode's Dodgers Stadium Los Angeles 1990 album captures the band at the height of their Violator tour, which was a pivotal moment in their career and now comes on nice red wax. Recorded live at one of their most iconic performances, this limited-edition vinyl is a trip back to experience the band's dark, synth-driven sound in a massive stadium setting. Featuring hits like 'Personal Jesus' and 'Enjoy the Silence' the set was a well-balanced mix of brooding electronic atmospheres with anthemic energy and it now serves as a great tribute to one of their most unforgettable live shows.

Review: It's the album that redefined ambient music, not least for a generation of parasympathetic ravers. Aphex Twin's Selected Ambient Works Volume II marked a stylistic shift away from the first edition in the infamous ambient LP 'series', Selected Ambient Works 85-92. Volume II differed substantially; this time, there would be no 'techno' addendum to 'ambient', and all tracks thereupon would lack the usual indulgence of beats, however easy-on-the-ears these had been beforehand. Known for its many numbered tracks - which on the original edition, rather than track names, denoted references to images of natural forms, textures and geologic readymades, all bathed in orange, and from which fans had to infer the written names - this expanded edition stays faithful to this origin. Even so, it adds two unreleased D Jamesian treats - provided you don't count the massive Soundcloud dump of 2015 as a release - 'th1 [evnslower]' and a reversed version of 'Rhubarb' - as well as a the previously vinyl only '#19'.

Review: Robert Rental is back on the mighty Dark Entries as the cult label reissues his Mental Detentions album as an expanded double pack. Rental is a Scottish pioneer of DIY electronic music who played a key role in shaping the UK's countercultural sound alongside collaborators like Thomas Leer and Daniel Miller. Though he released little solo music, his 1979 cassette Mental Detentions was a standout of the era that featured raw demos made with budget equipment like a Roland drum machine and Stylophone keyboard. Tracks like 'Stuck' offer a distorted take on the classic motorik sound, while 'Vox' delivers an 18-minute ambient journey in which it is easy to get lost. Rental's work captures the spirit of experimentation and innovation in the face of limited resources.

Review: Science, Art And Ritual chronicles the musical journey of Kingsuk Biswas, known as Bedouin Ascent. Growing up in Harrow during the 70s and 80s, Biswas was influenced by David Rodigan's dub shows and the post-punk experimentation of the era. His eclectic tastes spanned punk, free jazz, noise, and Indian Classical music, which he fused with his ever expanding record collection. By 1987, his music prefigured what would become techno and gave rise to this album which was released in 1994 by Rising High Records. Science, Art And Ritual now celebrates its 30th anniversary with a deluxe 3LP reissue featuring restored tracks and some bonus new material.

Review: Music From Memory share the CD edition (there's also a vinyl release) of their latest in a series of compilations, which focuses on the tide of new ambient and minimalist electronica which came about at the turn of the millennium, Virtual Dreams. Whilst the first volume focused on the techno and electronica musics emergent in Europe in 1993-99, Virtual Dreams Vol. 2 homes in on Japan during the same period, tracking the regional, geosonic differences between each global cultural centre. Tracing a fibrous thread, that began to weave itself of its own accord, out from the early 90s acid house FOMO experienced in Japan's early days, through to its restful response with the dawn of "listening techno" proffered by the likes of Sublime Records, Syzygy Records and Frogman Records, many of the tracks featured therein cull their choices from not only these leading lights but also the odd and not-so-odd rarity, helping usher in a truer representation of the era.

Review: Jonas Munk's Mirror Phase is the final chapter in his trilogy of minimalist ambient albums, marking a return to the warm, immersive tones he's often associated with. Across eight tracks, Munk crafts soundscapes rooted in evolving guitar and synth loops, where subtle changes mirror the slow transformation of clouds. The title track is a standoutia nearly 18-minute drone piece where oscillating tones phase in and out, creating mesmerizing, shifting patterns. 'Transition' layers delicate guitars, evoking the calm rhythm of waves on a shoreline, while 'At a Distance' employs slightly detuned analog synths to conjure a haunting, hypnotic atmosphere reminiscent of Popol Vuh's krautrock. 'Rise' and the closing 'Return to Nowhere' hearken back to Munk's Manual releases, with their shimmering textures. With Mirror Phase, Munk reaches a high point in his ambient work, expertly balancing subtlety and depth. The CD release also includes Altered Light (2021), a previously digital-only album, further showcasing Munk's mastery of ambient soundscapes built over his 25-year career.

Review: Inquiri and bvdub's superb new collaboration A Life In Setting Suns on the excellent Past Inside The Present label run by zake reflects a deep-rooted connection to the golden era of electronic music in the 90s. Their project mirrors the layered experiences of rave culture and blends some nostalgia for that with distinct musical identities. Inquiri brings the energy of main rooms where trance-induced emotional highs, while bvdub represents the ambient, early morning deep house scenes. Their friendship and collaboration transcend time and geography and so together they explore the timeless, hypnotic soundscapes that defined the era and in doing so create a harmonious fusion of past influences that resonate deeply.

Review: ATA Records, camped out in Leeds, formed in 2014 by Neil Innes in a formerly disused garage on the outskirts of town. Described as an "Aladdin's Cave of vintage 1960s recording equipment", we've little intel on how exactly Innes chanced upon ownership of such a stockpile, but what we do know is that he soon set about recording these songs exclusively to 2" tape, and using mid-century recording techniques to yield that ever-so-knowable vintage crunch, so native to 60s and 70s funk, soul and soundtrack music. Perhaps a somewhat fictive alias, Kaunas Baltic Connect and the Sorcerers are two such tributary acts to the library archives of yore (KPM, Cavendish, Burton, etc.), and here they lay down 'Baby, I Don't Care' and 'Kaunas Baltic Connect', two fervent fracases packing riffy synth leads and seat-edge strings, nodding to the "brooding menace of Poliziotteschi and Euro-crime movies".

Review: Kelly Lee Owens' fourth studio album marks a significant shift in Owens' musical journey, embodying themes of freedom and escapism. Dream State emerges from a period of inner transformation following a break-up, and is a testament to collaboration, featuring producer-writer contributions from electronic music luminaries Bicep, Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers and George Daniel of The 1975. The synergy between these artists infuses Dreamstate with a rich, dynamic sound that blends Owens' ethereal vocals with innovative electronic beats and lush production. A range of emotions and sonic landscapes, offering both introspective and liberating experiences.

Review: Dark Entries are reusing two albums from Philadelphia-based experimental duo The Ghostwriters. their debut as well as this follow-up, Objects in Mirrors Are Closer Than They Appear from 1981. Formed by the late Buchla innovator Charles Cohen and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Cain in 1971, the duo initially performed as Anomali before evolving into The Ghostwriters. Their work is a mix of improvisation and composition and it always stood out for its unique electroacoustic sound shaped through collaborations with visual artists and choreographers. Objects in Mirrors delivers eight minimalist tracks to get stuck into from the chaotic groove of 'Fix It in the Mix' to the ethereal "Moon Chant.' This remastered edition includes photos, and liner notes, and will donate proceeds to SOSA (Safe from Online Sex Abuse).

Review: Labyrinthe! stands as a singular achievement in Pierre Henry's illustrious career, showcasing his ability to craft music even when deprived of his usual sonic resources. The sounds for this piece were supplied by GRM collaborators, each bringing their own unique qualities and textures. Despite not being his own material, Henry's distinct voice and musical vision quickly come to the forefront. Through this intricate soundscape, Henry constructs a maze of audio, focusing intently on the development and manipulation of the sounds provided. His clarity of purpose and deliberate approach is evident throughout, as he shapes the contributions of others into something unmistakably his own. The piece is built upon the interplay of disparate elements, all meticulously woven together into a cohesive sonic journey. Henry described Labyrinthe! as a collaborative venture, a fusion of 58 sound fragments from seven different composers, forming a work that feels both expansive and tightly intertwined. His harmonic sensitivity ensures that the diverse sources never clash but instead create a complex, interlocking sound world. Labyrinthe! is a brilliant testament to Henry's mastery of electroacoustic composition and his remarkable ability to turn limitations into creative triumphs.

Review: To celebrate Hans-Joachim Roedelius' 90th birthday, this limited edition 4xLP set presents unreleased material from his two-track Revox tapes (1968-80). Known for his work with the Echolette tape delay and Farfisa organ, these recordings showcase the creative process behind Roedelius' beloved Selbstportrait records. While not an exhaustive retrospective, 90 captures hypnotic, minimalist cycles that rival contemporaries like Terry Riley. This release is a fitting tribute to a legendary artist, offering an intimate portrait of his innovative sonic journey.

Review: Kelly Lee Owens' highly anticipated fourth studio album Dreamstate offers a liberating, euphoric sound, reflecting the emotional growth she apparently experienced following a significant romantic breakup. It's a record full of release and renewal, urging listeners to find their own freedom. Owens collaborated with heavyweights like Bicep, Tom Rowlands from The Chemical Brothers and George Daniel from The 1975 to craft this immersive soundscape. Dreamstate is also her first release on the newly launched dh2 label, part of Dirty Hit, spearheaded by George Daniel.

Review: Tristan Arp returns to Wisdom Teeth with his second album, 'a pool, a portal', blending modular synths, cello, found sounds, and spoken word. The LP, crafted between Mexico City and New York, continues where his debut 'Sculpturegardening' left off, creating an ambient soundscape where nature and machines co-exist. Featuring a collaboration with Guatemalan cellist Mabe Fratti, this record is a journey into a future where humanity and technology evolve together. The artwork, like the music, blurs the line between the natural and the digital.

Review: Something's Up! is a masterful compilation that features the eclectic brilliance of John Barry's film scores. Curated by Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley, this collection highlights Barry's transition from a British arranger to a pop icon, renowned for defining the sound of the Cold War spy movie era. Focusing on music from 1964 to 1967, this album features Barry's iconic work on James Bond classics like Goldfinger, Thunderball, and You Only Live Twice, cementing his influence on the spy genre. Beyond Bond, Barry's contributions to films such as The Ipcress File and The Quiller Memorandum exemplify his ability to blend tension with sophistication. The collection also includes less-celebrated but notable scores like those for King Rat, The Chase and Seance on a Wet Afternoon, reflecting Barry's diverse range and ability to craft memorable themes beyond the mainstream. Barry's music, characterised by its lush orchestration and emotive power, extended its reach from the silver screen to the vinyl, resonating with listeners even if they hadn't seen the films - and his exceptional talent and enduring legacy in film music is on full display here,

Review: John Williams' Home Alone soundtrack is a heartwarming classic that perfectly complements the holiday season. Known for his work on Star Wars, E.T.and Harry Potter, Williams brings the same orchestral magic to this beloved Christmas film. The score includes memorable tracks like 'Somewhere in My Memory,' a recurring theme throughout the film, and 'Star of Bethlehem,' which captures the festive spirit with choral and orchestral elegance. The standout track, 'Setting the Trap,' diverges from Williams' usual orchestral sound, incorporating electronics and percussion to enhance Kevin's creative showdown with the burglars. Alongside traditional Christmas carols like 'O Holy Night' and 'Carol of the Bells,' the soundtrack blends nostalgia with whimsy. Though the album repeats familiar motifs, its charm makes it a refreshing alternative to typical holiday music. The Home Alone soundtrack is available in a limited edition red and gold vinyl 2xLP, making it an essential for any festive playlist. Whether it's playing while decorating the tree or enjoying Christmas cookies, this release brings the holiday spirit alive.

Review: Rod Modell's Music For Bus Stations, released by Silentes in Italy, is a masterful exploration of ambient and dub techno that immerses listeners in a transcendent soundscape. Known for his Detroit roots and innovative use of old-school recording techniques like tape loops and echo devices, Modell crafts a sonic experience that seamlessly integrates with modern architecture. The album serves as a generative backdrop, enhancing the atmosphere of bus stations with its ethereal and progressive sounds. Designed to complement rather than clash with architectural elements, the composition creates a constantly evolving, organic sound tapestry. By utilising polyrhythmic elements and shifting sonic phenomena, Modell's work induces a state of calm and reflection. Inspired by avant-garde bus station designs, such as those by Domitianus Arquitectura and Bluck & Morgen, Music For Bus Stations transforms everyday spaces into immersive sound environments. The result is a living, unpredictable auditory experience that elevates the mundane to the sublime, perfectly capturing the essence of ambient exploration. Act fast if you want a copy, Rod Modell fans are die-hards!

Review: Mirror Phase marks the conclusion of Jonas Munk's ambient trilogy, a series that has seen him explore the subtleties of soundscapes crafted from guitar and synthesiser loops. These eight tracks bring Munk back to the warmer tones often associated with his earlier work, shaping sonic structures that ebb and flow, much like clouds shifting in the sky. The title track, 'Mirror Phase', stands out as his most expansive drone composition to date. Over its nearly 18-minute runtime, oscillating tones move in and out of sync, creating a constantly evolving and mesmerising pattern. 'Transition' offers something gentler, layering guitars to evoke the sensation of waves lapping against the shore. Meanwhile, 'At a Distance' leans into the eerie and hypnotic, with slightly out-of-tune analogue synthesisers giving the track a krautrock flavour reminiscent of Popol Vuh. The shimmering tones of 'Rise' and the closer, 'Return to Nowhere', recall Munk's past work as Manual, blending glistening textures with a serene undercurrent. It's an album that's less about instant gratification and more about gradual immersion. The pieces evolve slowly, rewarding patient listeners with subtle shifts in mood and atmosphere. By the end of this trilogy, Munk seems to have fully embraced the minimalism and expansive soundscapes that have defined his ambient explorations, culminating in what might be his most refined and cohesive ambient work yet.

Review: 'Dreamstate' is Kelly Lee Owens' fourth studio album, hinting at a relatively bouncier electro-pop direction - in stark contrast to her much demurer, rougher-hewn earlier albums. Owens comments that Dreamstate is "the sound of a person letting loose and letting go while encouraging everyone else to do the same." Whether this necessarily results, for musicians, in an increased orientation towards chart-worthiness, remains to be seen, but we'd say this has certainly worked in the case of Owens, whose new forerunning singles 'Love You Got', 'Higher' and 'Sunshine' combine overcast dance productions and pristine angel voices from Owens herself, resulting in a much brighter yet equally thunderous sound, and 'Sunshine' is our favourite, future-avant progressive house number here.

Review: Minimal wave pioneer Das Ding aka Danny Bosten is back after ten years on Electronic Emergencies with a nicely curated collection of archival tracks sourced from early 80s tape recordings. Working with friends in a bedroom studio in the Dutch countryside, Das Ding crafted raw, experimental music with cheap analogue equipment that drew on new wave, early EBM and proto-techno. Listening back now these sounds are unmistakably Das Ding and this clear vinyl pressing preserves the original lo-fi atmosphere with meticulous remastering by Ruud Lekx. A real triumph of the DIY spirit of the era.

Review: Uboa's Impossible Light marks a significant shift from the ambitious darkness of previous work. Xandra Metcalfe's latest release merges otherworldly sounds with raw human emotion, creating a captivating blend of intense darkness and poignant beauty. Throughout Impossible Light, Uboa explores a heightened sense of urgency and directness, particularly in addressing themes of trans experiences and societal marginalisation. Tracks like 'Endocrine Disruptor' contrast serene melodies with explosive beats, while 'The Puzzle' immerses listeners in heavy synths and impactful percussion. 'Gordian Worm' transitions from harsh noise to a more structured electro-industrial sound and 'Pattern Screamers' delivers a powerful vocal performance amid distorted, mechanical noise. The seamless flow between 'Jawline' and 'Weaponised Dysphoria', alongside the emotional depth of 'Sleep Hygiene', underscores Uboa's skillful talent at balancing it all.

Review: Metal Gear Solid: The Vinyl Collection is a must-have for fans, featuring 53 tracks from the entire series spread across six discs. This comprehensive collection includes remastered versions of the soundtracks from Metal Gear 2 (1990) to Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. Additionally, the sixth disc features iconic sound effects with 'Solid Sneaking' on Side A and 'Vs. Boss' on Side B. Released by Konami and Laced Records, this set provides a deep dive into the series' memorable music and soundscapes. With Metal Gear Solid back in the spotlight, this vinyl collection is the perfect way to celebrate its musical legacy while waiting for new game releases.