seven

I think this compilation would be an appropriate place to start getting acquainted with this label (coincidentally, it is the first release from emanate records). these were my initial thoughts about this sampler, and I can only confirm them after getting my hands on almost all material from emanated up to this date.

for those of you not familiar with the label, it presents a softer side of idm (using a very loose definition of this term) that almost borders on ambient. most of the artists here create soft glowing melodies that are beautifully melodic never becoming overly cheesy or mechanized like some of the subgenres of idm tend to be. most of the time the music features wonderful downtempo style with ambient strings and analog textures glued together with gentle percussion touches and soft acoustic movements.

this two-disk vinyl (or cd, for the less zealous audiofiles) features tracks by lilienthal, o.s.t., if.then.else, solenoid and sybarite. starting off with "insert silence" by lilienthal, it captures you right away with this beautifully melodic track, structured around minimal percussion mixed with atonal detached strings and random noises. it moves elegantly in a very dignified and relaxed fashion, enveloping you in a distinct warm atmosphere. I first heard this band on recent n5md compilation, and a little later on their dangerously additive full-length "castor & pollux". their next track on second record ("scared like me") is a little simpler and more fragile, toying with small percussion elements that move playfully along the surface of the track, accentuated by sparse atmospheric movements.

lilienthal's subtle beauty is very similar to a mix of acoustic ambience and electronica created by sybarite. previously mentioned "meusic…" and "musicforafilm" are both a follow ups to tracks presented here. "identity #1" is built on top of steady technoid percussion and a great number of beautiful analog and acoustic string elements that distinctly identify this artist. they fill the whole track giving it the density and very organic texture that are the best features of sybarite. "identity #2" features almost cinematic beginning that transforms into a beautifully structured rich electronica piece that moves at a constant speed along with sparkling beats that are interwoven with acoustic sounds and small noises.

punctuated percussion layers start out "august" by o.s.t. and slowly move into echoing minimal strings. it has a little firmer and more minimal edge compared to other tracks, but still possesses a nice laid-back touch, fitting the mood of this compilation.

"foating point" by if.then.else is a little simpler than sybarite or lilienthal, but in this simplicity hides subtle elegance and grace built upon short basslines, shimmering keys and constant technoid percussion. "start/stop/continue" follows in the same vein with slowly building percussion textures that move between acoustic drums and deeper techno-oriented percussion (that a few times reminded me a richer version of oil 10).

and finally, we have solenoid, first with "pillow speaker" that is a collage of almost funky percussion layers that feature both acoustic and analog electronica elements. it is a little closer to idm wizardry, exploring more complex percussion arrangements. "time f" closes this compilation with quite abrasive sound, focusing on saturated beats and distant twisted strings.

this compilation has a very distinct sound, and although I have to admit that at first I had a hard time identifying each single artist, later on I grew to enjoy each artist's style. if you are looking for a softer, more melancholic and "earthly" sounds of idm, this label is one of the stops on your way.