045 - Gold Panda (Miyamae EP)

There is little more to say than this EP is but another example of Gold Panda's ability to conflate interesting instrumental samples and strong beats. The first track of the release has been chosen for its characteristic use of distorted samples. Although spatially the track is quite full, it retains subtlety, restraint and composure, due to its tasteful and delicate treatment of piano and violin samples. Also, there's a lovely vinyl-sounding crackle that introduces another thin rhythmic layer.

P.S. Note the efficacy of this simple yet elegant cover:



Gold Panda - Back Home

035 - Junior Boys

- A 'grower' -

Slow-burning, dark and moody; not aggressive. Sharp beat of spritely tempo, hypnotic arpeggiator; restrained use of vocals. Comprised of three sections, surprising tangents; long.

Junior Boys - Like a Child (Carl Craig Remix)

012.01 - Pantha Du Prince

Hearing this live was one of the best moments of my life: for an instant, everything was perfect. The whole track is so well crafted, but ultimately it's the strings that set it apart: when they fully arrive (2:40), I can't help but smile. Overall the track feels regenerative and reassuring, as if there is now hope where once there was none. In that sense it is positive and empowering, albeit in a modest way. I like how it persists, with one final drop two minutes before the end, before the horns lead us out. The strings and brass demonstrate how effective electronic artists' use of conventional instruments' sounds can be within an electronic context.

Pantha du Prince - Saturn Strobe