Articles
2013 Top 10s & 20s
The Knells' The Knells
Spotlight 11

Albums
John Luther Adams
Arovane
Astro Sonic
Avatism
Cakewalk
Mark Cetilia
Ulises Conti
Stephen Cornford
Exercise One
Stavros Gasparatos
Huntsville
itsnotyouitsme
Rael Jones
Jubei
The Knells
Letna
Lord Echo
Selaxon Lutberg
Martin & Berg
Josh Mason
Mem1
Ron Morelli
Nuage
Oiseaux-Tempête
One Far West
Orange Yellow Red
Piano Interrupted
Oleg Poliakov
Recondite
Saffronkeira + Massa
Scarlet Youth
Shifted
Silencio
Burkhard Stangl
Talvihorros
Peter Van Hoesen
Vatican Shadow

Compilations / Mixes
EPM Selected Vol. 2
My Love For You Is Analog.
OFF To ADE 2013
Scope
Tempo Dreams Vol. 2
Transit 2

EPs / Cassettes / Singles
Dalot
Elika
Fighting Lion
Kyle Fosburgh
Fre4knc / Nuage
Rezo Glonti
Halvtrak
Ishan Sound
Jacksonville
Lullatone
Pennygiles & Phil Tangent
Dominic Petrie
Response
Sontag Shogun
Strategy
Thrash Pilot

VA: My Love For You Is Analogue
Somethinksounds

Though its dozen cuts are all remixes, My Love For You Is Analogue nevertheless provides a superb introduction to Somethinksounds' luscious house sound. Ostensibly designed to be an anniversary compilation celebrating the label's three years of operation, the collection functions as a convenient all-in-one document of the label's fine-tuned blend of electronic, garage, and house forms. For Somethinksounds founders Kazim Kazim Kazim and Andy Lemay, My Love For You Is Analogue is both a mini-recap and a recontextualisation of the label's sound. Based on the evidence at hand, Somethinksounds' vibrant house tracks are about much more than simply supple dance grooves. Yes, they're body-shakers, for sure, but the producers and remixers also repeatedly demonstrate a concern for fashioning harmonious compositions that develop through multiple stages. Contrasts of dynamics and mood are commonplace, and a given track's focus is as much on melody as it is rhythm.

There's no shortage of aural stimulation on offer, such as, for example, the beautifully snappy groove Artifact works into his brooding remix of EVM128's “Make Me Feel,” and the compilation is generally infused with a spirit of uplift and jubilation, as exemplified by Lokiboi's “Loves Saves the Day,” a crisp deep house dynamo whose funky swagger won't be denied, and EVM128's “Make Me Feel,” which is elevated (in its El-B remix) as much by a soaring lead vocal by BB. James as it is a boisterous funk pulse. A few well-timed melancholy cuts provide contrast to the compilation's generally sunny vibe. Though there's lots of sparkle to Lucky Paul's “Demonspawn,” there's a mournful quality to it as well, something especially audible in Guillermo Brown's soulful lead vocal (“I try to look away but I can't…”); an aura of sadness also pervades Baby Prince's “Nobody,” and there's an undeniably haunting quality about the Midland makeover of Lucky Paul's “Elephant Island,” too.

December 2013