Emotional Response レコード& CD

Review: Terra Utopia returns to Emotional Response with a second release, a collection of ten tracks blending ambient textures, atmospheric rhythms and fluid drum & bass. French producer Benoit B revives this project after the success of the first Terra Utopia recordings, delivering another thoughtful exploration of soundscapes. Initially conceived as a short-lived project, the first Terra Utopia was recorded in two weeks during a spring in Athens, capturing a deeply personal sonic aesthetic. This second offering reflects an evolution in style while retaining its essence. Tracks unfold like snapshots of expansive skies, tranquil seas and warm summer days, creating a narrative of serene moments and astral imaginings. The beats feel crisp and purposeful, and every cut is crafted for both personal immersion and DJ functionality. A highlight is the collaboration with singer dvdv on 'Shadows Of Memories', where her ethereal vocals float over dreamlike instrumentation, offering an evocative, hypnotic centerpiece. Terra Utopia continues to conjure vivid sonic imagery with its latest chapter.

Review: You can never really pin down what the excellent Emotional Repose label does and that is exactly the sinking behind the title of its superb All Trades show on NTS. The sheer eclecticism of that show is now reflected in this new two-part compilation, also called All Trades, which offers up little morsels of what they do, something like a sonic tasting menu at a fancy restaurant. There is chugging electronic dub from Apiento & Tepper, industrial clatter from Black Bones, cosmic ambient breakbeat from Paperclip Minimiser and blissed out dub from Yamila & SoFa Elsewhere amongst many more highlights.

Review: Emotional Response returns with a second volume of its All Trades compilation which is named after its own NTS show. It is just as vast both in terms of style but also the eras it spans with a mix of dub, new wave, slow motion electronics and plenty in between. Tolouse Low Trax kicks off with the filthy dirty and seriously heavy dub glitch of 'Ossia' to provide an early highlight before the likes of Al Wootton get percussive and tribal with 'Altai' and HLM38 channels some African Head Charge on another devastating dub cut. Later on, London's Good Block brings a little more light and sunshine with their lovely 'Strong Relax.'