CARBON BASED LIFEFORMS レコード& CD

Review: Back in 1998, three Swedish friends recorded a fine ambient album as Notch and self-released in on CD-R. Two of these, Johannes Hedberg and Daniel Segerstad, would go on to win acclaim as long-serving ambient outfit Carbon Based Lifeforms. To celebrate the album's 20th anniversary, the duo has decided to reissue "Path". It's stood up remarkably well, with many of the tracks containing a smidgeon more psychedelic influence (think bubbling acid lines, in particular) and rhythmic shuffle than their latest, almost entirely beat-less work. If you've not heard it - and, let's face it, remarkably few have given its quality - we'd suggest checking out the clips ASAP. You won't be disappointed.

Review: Back in 1998, three Swedish friends recorded a fine ambient album as Notch and self-released in on CD-R. Two of these, Johannes Hedberg and Daniel Segerstad, would go on to win acclaim as long-serving ambient outfit Carbon Based Lifeforms. To celebrate the album's 20th anniversary, the duo has decided to reissue "Path". It's stood up remarkably well, with many of the tracks containing a smidgeon more psychedelic influence (think bubbling acid lines, in particular) and rhythmic shuffle than their latest, almost entirely beat-less work. If you've not heard it - and, let's face it, remarkably few have given its quality - we'd suggest checking out the clips ASAP. You won't be disappointed.

Review: Second time around for Carbon Based Lifeforms' sixth studio set, "Twentythree", which first surfaced on Ultimate Records back in 2011. It remains one of the Swedish ambient duo's most potent and poignant works, delivering dollops of weightless electronics and intergalactic soundscapes that slowly twist, turn, ebb and flow. The pair's subtle use of field recordings and sound effects adds extra layers of atmosphere and intrigue (see the feverish, drifting-down-the-Amazon vibes of "Inertia" and the chiming, summer-in-the-city hum of "Kensington Gardens"), while their ability to conjure vivid audio imagery from little more than elongated chords and sweeps is arguably unparalleled. "Twentythree", then, remains a triumph, albeit a self-consciously quiet one.

Review: Second time around for Carbon Based Lifeforms' sixth studio set, "Twentythree", which first surfaced on Ultimate Records back in 2011. It remains one of the Swedish ambient duo's most potent and poignant works, delivering dollops of weightless electronics and intergalactic soundscapes that slowly twist, turn, ebb and flow. The pair's subtle use of field recordings and sound effects adds extra layers of atmosphere and intrigue (see the feverish, drifting-down-the-Amazon vibes of "Inertia" and the chiming, summer-in-the-city hum of "Kensington Gardens"), while their ability to conjure vivid audio imagery from little more than elongated chords and sweeps is arguably unparalleled. "Twentythree", then, remains a triumph, albeit a self-consciously quiet one.

Review: Sweden is not too often cited alongside the best of the downtempo scene, but it just makes so much sense for the country's sleek looks and cool approach to be associated to slow-burning bursts of outsider electronica. As such, Goteborg's Carbon Based Lifeforms have been among the few Swedes to wave the flag for the genre, and this new album - Derelicts - for Blood Music feels like another masterful stroke of genius from the duo. We've always been big fans of the label, so this LP comes as both a pleasure and a surprise in the fact that we weren't necessarily expecting them to appear on its wondrous catalogue. However, it's clear from the start that this is a fitting relationship; Derelict follows like a strange and compelling story, taking us into a world of distant chants and slow beats which form a distinctive narrative across its 12 tracks, and it comes highly recommended for anyone wishing to go on a little journey. Blissful, indeed.