A Strangely Isolated Place

A Strangely Isolated Place

The latest ambient and electronica mixes from ASIP

  • OKRAA / Es Hora (ASIPV052) Official video by Dead Society

    Watch a new video for the single, ‘Es Hora’ taken from OKRAA’s upcoming album, La Gran Corriente.

    Created by Dead Society, the visualizer captures an organic energy and momentum of Juan’s new beat-focused approach, highlighting its IDM sensibilities through abstract and hypnotic visuals.

    La Gran Corriente, is now available for preorder on gatefold 2LP and digital. View the release page for more details and links to listen and buy.

    Join us on October 23rd for the album listening party and full album playthrough over on Bandcamp, at 11am PST. RSVP here.

      
    24 September 2024, 5:36 pm
  • Markus Guentner & Karen Vogt - All Light Will Remain (Music video by Guillaume Eymenier)
     

    Watch a beautiful new video for the track ‘All Light Will Remain’ by Markus Guentner & Karen Vogt, directed by Guillaume Eymenier.

    Inverted Audio have the video premiere and additional details on the inspiration and approach from Guillaume.

    Markus Guentner’s new album Kontrapunkt is now available on digital and gatefold 2LP, with copies going fast!

    Head to the release page for more details and links to buy.

    19 September 2024, 3:00 pm
  • Collected: Vol 3
     

    James Bernard - Atmospherics (30th Anniversary Edition)

    Many of you will know James for his releases here on ASIP, but since then, James has made a home with the crew at PITP, and so of course they got first dibs on reissuing this beast of his. Atmospherics is one of the seminal electronic ambient albums of the 90’s, and one for the heads. You won’t often find it on many, ‘best of’ lists, but you will hear many reputable DJs and producers reference it as a major impact on their productions, with its acid-tinged synthesis that James is now well known for, and straddling the lines of trance, downtempo and ambient with a full throw-back to the chill out rooms of the time. One of the people it impacted some 30-years ago, is Brock van Wey aka bvdub, who has been enlisted to reinterpret the entire album for this Anniversary Edition.

    I would imagine an entirely new set of tracks to be born from Brock’s mind - not just remixes, but complete deconstructions, reimagined from the ground up.

    Atmospherics [30th Anniversary Edition] by James Bernard

    Old Amica - F​ö​r alltid

    About as organic and textured as ambient music comes, this is one of those records to find subtle details in every time you listen, while wandering an expansive landscape of nordic winter. For fans of Ous Mal; with Sigur Ros, Johann Johannson and Thomas Koner on backing duties.

    För alltid by Old Amica

    Minotaur Shock - Salina Pulse Streams

    I’m new to Minotaur Shock, and it looks like I’ve got some catching up to do. I gravitated toward this album due to it’s ‘mixtape’ nature as described in the album notes. Experimental downtempo and trip-hop with lush metallic tones and clean, clean drum programming. Recommend a full album listen from top to bottom to hear the evolution as intended.

    Salina Pulse Streams by Minotaur Shock

    Ovid - Dream Sequence

    Synkro’s Ovid alias turns out a beautifully lush piece of dub-techno on Dream Sequence EP. The title track is as classic dub-techno as you can wish for, with its muddled beats, syncopated patterns and subtle hi-hats. One to get lost in. The other two tracks open up the highs a bit more, but remain on point with more glitch-focused elements, for an all-round superb EP.

    Dream Sequence EP by Ovïd

    3.11 - Illuminate

    Lastly, it’s an awesome day when a certain ‘vinyl-only’ artist until now, releases their collection on Bandcamp. 3.11 has made some of the most sought-after ambient and ambient-leaning techno vinyl of recent years (I’m only missing a couple luckily!). 3.11 styles can vary between lush swathes of ambient textures and swampy dub-techno, to italo house and 90’s sounding downtempo. Now they’re all available digitally.

    Expect to see more 3.11 music in ambient mixes in, 3, 2, 1….

    Journey To The Core (PRS07) by 3.11

    Find these albums and many more over on my Bandcamp Collection.

     
    13 September 2024, 9:09 pm
  • Markus Guentner / Kontrapunkt Collaborators
     

    Markus Guentner’s new album, Kontrapunkt showcases eight collaborations with some exceptional artists, each of whom has a unique connection to ASIP’s world in one way or another. Though I did not influence Markus's choice of collaborators, the album somehow found a thread through so many of our past releases, as well as artists I have also respected for a long time. Here are some of my favorite tracks from each artist, in case any of these artists are new to you, or you want to dig a little deeper and an introduction to each of the relationships by Markus himself.

    Kontrapunkt by Markus Guentner

    Joachim Spieth

    I've known Joachim since the early 2000s, back when we were both involved in the Kompakt Pop Ambient Series. Our collaboration has grown over the years, and we've recently been working together on projects for his label, Affin. It's been a fantastic experience, as I get to contribute my graphic ideas and, of course, some music too. Collaborating with Joachim feels like a natural extension of our long-standing friendship and creative synergy - Markus Guentner

    It might seem a bit dated to highlight Joachim’s early Pop Ambient work, especially considering how much he has evolved within the widescreen ambient and techno genres in recent years. However, this track was pivotal in launching the iconic Kompakt Pop Ambient series and remains a timeless classic in my eyes. It’s an essential example of what defined 'Pop Ambient' and the series as a whole. While there are significant stylistic differences when you compare this track with Joachim’s more recent works, that irreplaceable sense of attachment and atmosphere still resonates.

    Pop Ambient 2001 by Joachim Spieth

    Karen Vogt

    My first encounter with Karen was through a request for the Galán/Vogt remix album. Since then, we've developed a close relationship, regularly sharing ideas and having wonderful chats during video calls. Working with Karen has been incredibly inspiring, as her creative vision aligns perfectly with mine. Our collaboration has blossomed into a seamless partnership that I deeply cherish - Markus Guentner

    Karen Vogt, a founding member of the Australian band Heligoland, has been creating music for over 20 years. Recently, she has found her niche in more expressive ambient and vocal work. The track I've chosen is a stripped-back piece that perfectly captures Karen’s distinctive approach and serves as a wonderful example of the mesmerizing ways her vocals can evolve.

    Losing The Sea by Karen Vogt

    Sonae

    Sonia and I have been good friends for a long time, and our bond is strengthened by our epic five-hour phone calls! We first connected when she remixed my track "Saint" for the "Uncharted Places" ASIP release in 2013. Given our long history and mutual admiration, it was only natural that we would eventually collaborate on a project together. Our collaboration feels like a culmination of years of shared experiences and creative exchanges. - Markus Guentner

    Sonia and ASIP have a history that spans over 11 years now as one of the early artists who took a chance on the label with a demo for The Places Series. Since then, Sonia has developed a distinctive style that blends elements of ambient, techno, and experimental music. Her sound is typically abstract, free from conventional rules or clichés, and often explores unexpected directions. Her collaboration with Markus is a prime example, featuring shifting BPMs and a vivid, pulsating heartbeat that showcases her unique approach. The track ‘Rust’ from her 2018 album, ‘I Started Wearing Black’ is a nice companion to her collaboration with Markus.

    I Started Wearing Black by Sonae

    Pepo Galán

    Like Karen Vogt, my first significant interaction with Pepo was for a remix for an album. Shortly after, Pepo and I found ourselves in a perfect coincidence: he asked me for a collaboration for his project ‘Family Harmonies’, while I was simultaneously considering a collaboration for Kontrapunkt." This serendipitous alignment led to a fruitful and harmonious collaboration that we're both very excited about. - Markus Guentner.

    With collaborations involving artists like Warmth, Awakened Souls, Karen Vogt, David Cordero, Shinji Wakasa, Max Würden, and many others, Pepo is an obvious choice as a collaborator in the ambient world. His track with Markus stands out as one of the album’s most surprising, elevating Markus’ music to unexpected new heights based on some of the feedback I’ve heard so far. To complement this, I’ve chosen a more nuanced track from his 2018 collaboration with Max Würden which again, shows a perfectly complemented partnership.

    All of a Sudden by Pepo Galán & Max Würden

    Arovane

    Uwe and I have known each other for some time, although our interactions have been mostly digital, through emails and such. I was thrilled when he asked me to remix "Scale," a track by him and Hior Chronik released on ASIP in 2016. As a long-time fan and admirer of Uwe's music, it was an honor to collaborate with him. Our collaboration was a highlight for me, blending our musical styles in a way that felt both fresh and familiar. - Markus Guentner

    I wasn’t exactly looking forward to this part… Trying to pick a favorite track by Arovane is a bit like choosing a favorite child—you might have one, but admitting it is a different story. There's no need for a history lesson on Uwe here, as his inspiration knows no bounds. Instead, I’ll focus on the track I chose, which is admittedly a bit of a selfish selection. Over the years, Uwe has contributed several times to the label, collaborating with Hior Chronik, but I still vividly remember receiving his AMX remix of his own track After Tomorrow, on the In-Between Remix EP. If there’s ever a track that encapsulates the quintessential Arovane sound outside of his earliest album, this is it.

    In-between Remixes by Arovane & Hior Chronik

    Benoît Pioulard

    Released eleven years ago, Benoît’s "Hymnal" was, and still is, on heavy rotation for me. Our connection felt almost predestined when we met in Seattle while playing at Rafael's Substrata Festival. I've always wanted to collaborate with Benoît’, and finally, the timing was perfect with this new album. Working with him has been a dream come true, and our collaboration has exceeded all my expectations. - Markus Guentner.

    Thomas Meluch’s most recent contribution to the label was in collaboration with Viul on the album Konec. Like Uwe, Thomas has an expansive and well-loved body of work, making it difficult to pick a favorite. However, for this occasion, I’m choosing to highlight his more vocal-forward work on Morr Music. This selection takes me back to the first time I discovered the beautiful guitars and melodies of Slowdive, or even the more electronic folk sound of artists like Bibio and early Caribou. Thomas seems to be one of those endlessly talented individuals who can master a vast spectrum of styles, all while keeping his distinctive sound at the forefront. I’ve picked the second track from his 2023 release, ‘Eidetic’ which is the first impactful vocal hit from the album that represents this side of Thomas’ work.

    Eidetic by Benoît Pioulard

    Abul Mogard

    I'm a huge, huge fan of Abul's music. Before our collaboration, we had no prior connection, which made reaching out to him feel daunting. I was elated when he replied and agreed to work on a collaborative track. Despite the initial uncertainty, the collaboration turned out to be incredibly rewarding, and I am thrilled with the outcome. - Markus Guentner

    Checking the blog tag for Abul Mogard on the site reveals a wealth of mentions and mixes spanning several years. Guido’s music has played a significant role in shaping my taste, and, alongside a few select others, he’s been instrumental in fostering my appreciation for more powerful ambient music (see the Portals: Power Ambient feature). There was a time when I engaged in countless debates about Abul’s identity, which remained a mystery for many years, making him the ambient scene’s equivalent of Burial—before Burial ventured into ambient, of course. Now that his identity is no longer a secret, Guido has been relentless in honing his distinctive style through live performances and collaborations. One of his more recent releases, in collaboration with Rafael Anton Irisarri, is particularly noteworthy. The album’s title has never made more sense after experiencing it in full. The intricate details, combined with the music’s vastness and intimacy, are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

    Impossibly distant, impossibly close by Abul Mogard & Rafael Anton Irisarri

    Hollie Kenniff

    I've admired Hollie Kenniff's music for a long time, especially her work with Mint Julep alongside her husband Keith. When she released her solo album "The Quiet Drift," I immediately thought it would be a perfect match for a collaboration. Despite our musical differences, we share a lot of similarities that made working together a fun and enriching experience. This collaboration is certainly not our last, as I'm already looking forward to future projects with her. - Markus Guentner

    As Markus mentions, I think it was Mint Julep that formed a big part of my exposure to Hollie’s music alongside her partner and esteemed producer Keith Kenniff (aka Helios). Mint Julep has that certain Schnauss-ian effect (especially his remixes) so it was easily absorbed into my realm; electronic shoegaze and with a stellar vocalist, you can’t go wrong. But before that, her debut solo record on n5MD blew me away, forming the opening to my Reflection on 2019 feature and without a doubt one of the best records of the year.

    The Gathering Dawn by Hollie Kenniff

    ~

    Markus Guentner’s new album , Kontrapunkt featuring each of the above amazing collaborators is now available, digitally and on gatefold 2LP.

     
    3 September 2024, 8:46 pm
  • Collected: Vol 2 - DJ Olive
     

    I love the beginning of this video and the sentiment from DJ Olive that describes how music and art can often be perceived. I find it especially relevant when it comes to how some artists try and describe the creation and performance of ambient music. It isn’t something to be looked at and judged, but instead, something to become a part of…

    I somehow missed out on deep diving into the works of DJ Olive. He seems to be one of those artists that, if you know you know, kind of thing… Well, it turns out for me at least, it was one of those names always on the periphery of what I was listening to - recommended here and there, skimmed on labels I knew, or compilations I listened to. But for one reason or another, I never took a breath and said, ok, let’s go deep. That was until recently, when I ransacked the DJ Olive Bandcamp page and in particular, his ambient works.

    DJ Olive is responsible for coining the term, illbient (according to an impressive and illustrious Discogs bio at least). His influence and presence seem to focus on the East Coast of the US, which may be one reason why I never really went deep with his music in a big way. But diving in recently, there’s lots to admire amongst his more beat-driven, dub styles. It all feels extremely innovative and timeless, perhaps as expected, by someone also noted as an experimental turntablist.

    But it’s his ambient works that need shouting out here. A trifecta of albums released on the inimitable label from Lawrence English, Room40 forming a series called Sleeping Pill.

    "This is a sleeping pill...
    Listen to it as quietly as you possibly can.
    Mainly two things are going on at once.
    One is a metaphor.
    Buoy - an anchored marker that maps the passing waves.
    Boringly singular, but never the same twice. There for you in a storm.
    The other is an environment.
    A sleep over, early morning light across the room, a screen door occasionally whispers as someone moves about.
    Light fingers touch something.
    Curled in a cosy corner friends near by at the edge of sleep"

    I don’t think I’ve ever seen these albums on any best ambient music or best music for sleeping lists - which by no means is ever an indication of success or popularity, but partly why I feel the need to call them out here, as I’ve certainly been road testing them lately for their intended purpose.

    Minimal, textured, storied, and experimental, at any one time, and staying true to his sentiment in the video - an experience to become a part of.

    SLEEP by DJ OliveBUOY by DJ OliveTRIAGE by DJ Olive

    The long-form mixes were also recently broken down into individual tracks with additional edits and outtakes on the album Balm - a deconstructed way to experience the brilliance of all 3 albums.

    BALM by DJ Olive


    Find these albums and many more over on my Bandcamp Collection.

     
    29 August 2024, 9:35 pm
  • Collected: Vol 1
     

    It’s been a long time since I’ve done any type of blogging on here. A lot has changed since I was writing reviews more regularly. The last time I did this kind of thing, I titled it “Passing By” (for obvious reasons), and I’m not even sure those posts made it over with the site migration.

    Perhaps one of the biggest shifts in the past few years, is that, other than still collecting vinyl, I am collecting more and more music on Bandcamp. And to be honest, I still feel like there’s space for people to be talking about all the great music released on the platform. I see so many brilliant albums come and go, disappear into oblivion. Bandcamp has its columns, but even those don’t scratch the surface (and tend to be a little swayed to certain styles it seems). So, here I am again, hopefully holding up a few more ambient, electronic (or any related genre tbh - you know what to expect by now) gems. Old and new. Let’s hope I can keep this rolling. I’ll keep it to five… for now, with words at a bare minimum. No pressure. No agenda.

    You could also follow my collection on Bandcamp, but… maybe this approach will be less transactional.

    Inhmost - Breaks and Dreams

    Inhmost is a much-admired artist in our small circles, through his many styles and label appearances, his quality rarely dips. His latest on UK label Tonight’s Dream Recordings (many gems to be found in there) is quite fittingly, Simon at his Schnauss-ian best. And by that I mean - yes - beautiful drum (break) programming, nostalgic feels, upbeat, and all the melodies for window watching.

    Breaks and Dreams by Inhmost

    Casino Versus Japan - Tagebuch einer Verlorenen

    Within the first 2 seconds of hitting play, you KNOW CVJ is back in the room. That analog whirrrrr, on Schnee… I didn’t realize how much I have missed Casino Versus Japan until I got through this album. Announced without fanfare, and maybe his best work yet, everything about this album harkens back to the early days on this site and stumbling across an agenda-less nostalgic sound that just hits right.

    Tagebuch einer Verlorenen by Casino Versus Japan

    Gimmick - Analog Dream Plants

    Acid-tinged electronics on the Sound Synthesis remix come close to succeeding the original from Gimmick, but the pure simplicity and beauty of the original track, retains #1 spot for me. Remix EPs are hard to pull off, but every one of these gems has its own flair (and BPM!). Snagged the vinyl.

    Analog Dream Plants by Gimmik

    Vidění - The Land Of Clouds

    I like to think South Korean label Oslated has done an amazing job at continuing the legacy of the much loved yet now hibernating Silent Season label, through its deep techno aesthetics. This latest by Vidění is no exception, with airy dub techno and washes of nature infused throughout. Funny, as I look now, I see Shaded Explorer on mastering duties and a remix to book-end the album (an artist who made appearances on Silent Season). I surprise myself sometimes.

    The Land Of Clouds [OSL033] by Vidění 
    23 August 2024, 3:15 am
  • Markus Guentner / Trilogy Mix (ASIP041)
     

    A retrospective 2.40hr mix of all 3 Markus Guentner albums, Theia, Empire and Extropy now available on Bandcamp as free/Name Your Price. Before we present Markus’s next chapter, ‘Kontrapunkt’, absorb yourself in the triptych of music Markus contributed to ASIP over these 3 albums in one extended session.

    For fans of long-form ambient, space ambient, and dense atmospheric drone. One to get lost in without interruptions.

    Trilogy Mix by Markus Guentner

    ~

    Markus Guentner presents a long-form mix of all tracks from his trilogy of albums on ASIP, Theia, Empire and Extropy. 

    Over eight years and three LPs, Markus Guentner weaved a conceptual narrative that spanned millions of years. The German musician’s first album for the label, Theia explored the legend of the planet believed to have collided with Earth to form the Moon. This was followed by Empire (2018), narrating the creation of life on Earth, and the trilogy concluded with Extropy (2020), centered on the concept of limitless growth and what potentially lies ahead of us all. 

    Together, the mix embodies Markus’ most defining chapter in style and sound, available as one complete high-quality and immersive long-form listening experience. 

    Original albums:

    Theia (2015)

    Theia by Markus Guentner

    Empire (2018)

    Empire by Markus Guentner

    Extropy (2020)

    Extropy by Markus Guentner

    Mixed and sequenced by Markus Guentner. 
    Original tracks mastered by Rafael Anton Irisarri.
    Original artwork for albums by Nick Brzostowski and Noah M / Keep Adding.
    Trilogy Mix artwork edit by ASIP.





     
    19 August 2024, 3:51 pm
  • Liner Notes: Comit's 'Remote Viewing' at Five Years (ASIPV017)
     

    Liner notes are printed on thick card inside each of our vinyl releases.
    See here for some background on the intention and format. I am publishing Liner Notes from existing and past releases here on Substack for all to enjoy.

    Artist: Comit
    Title: Remote Viewing
    Format: Gatefold Orange 2LP + digital
    Released: 2019

    This is only my second entry into the Liner Notes series on Substack (I’m in no rush) and this is the first release that didn’t have any physical liner notes (they started around ASIPV020, I think). So it’s a bit of a reflection and trawling back through some emails on this one. With the release turning five years old today, the digital version is also Name Your Price on Bandcamp for the next 24 hours to celebrate this milestone.

    Remote Viewing by Comit

    Artwork:

    Despite James’ brilliance in his music, he doesn't ever give me much to go on with artwork, which is both awesome and tough! He lets his music do most of the talking, and there I go, coming in with a request for something super nuanced and conceptual as always…

    For this one, I remember wanting to depict something futuristic and colorful - much like the sound of IDM that James covers in this album. If you look closely at this artwork, you can probably tell what it is, but without giving too much away, it’s a photo of a famous street in Tokyo that I took (maybe the year before this all started), distorted and fractured to hell by Noah M / Keep Adding.

    Story:

    Before Remote Viewing, James released a small EP under the Comit alias on the now-defunct Short Trips label.

    Under Your Spell by Comit

    I covered this release in 2016 as one of my favorites, and then in 2017, James sent me an email saying he was working on an album’s worth of new material in a new style (without mentioning Comit), but either way, I was 100% in. Those who know how prolific James is across several styles will come to respect this sound from him. If there were a Venn diagram of James’ music, I think Comit would sit directly in the middle - with ambient on the left (as himself, ASC, Central Industries etc) and then Drum’n Bass on the right. Take the best of both those worlds and you get this magic.

    James would go on to release another Comit record with ASIP ‘An Ocean Of Thoughts’ and I hope there are many more to come.

    Insight:

    Anybody who lived the melodic IDM style of the late 90s and early 00s will know exactly where James’ inspiration comes from. Some called it “Schnauss-esque” (Boomkat, if I remember rightly) and without a doubt the City Centre Offices vibe can be heard in the music, as directly referenced from James, along with many others. But to me, it’s not just a copy cat of that era - it takes that approach, gives you the nostalgia, but propels the sound into completely new, more breaks-forward, territory.

    Comit was born out of my love for the music that was classed as 'IDM' during the mid-late 90's. I didn't start releasing music until 1999, and at that time I was heavily into drum & bass, so my production focus was 100% on that. An appreciation of labels such as Morr, City Centre Offices, Merck, Hobby Industries, (to name but a few) was the impetus behind the Deep Space Mix series I started in the early 2000's. I had experimented with producing music that would fit this genre briefly, under my ASC and Intex Systems guises, but it had never become something I'd totally devote an alias too, until I decided to start the Comit project. The core of the Comit sound is broken/glitchy breakbeats and emotive chord progressions with analog synthesizers. Overall, it creates a distinct sound that feels very separate to the music I produce as ASC. - James

    Press:

    This was one of our first records mastered and cut by Andreas Lupo Lubich, as he was heavily involved in shaping the early IDM era in sound, so naturally he would be at home with this record. With Lupo behind the cut, test presses were approved on the first round back in 2017.

    We cut it at 45rpm to maximize the quality of the record (faster rotation = more vinyl surface to read for the needle = better quality). There was a moment when people received the record and would send Instagram videos etc playing the record at the wrong speed. I still see some today. But the best thing is, it works well at 33.3 rpm too. Give it a try.

     
    12 August 2024, 5:16 pm
  • Markus Guentner / Kontrapunkt (ASIPV050)
     

    Even though we are well over fifty vinyl releases now (thanks to my bad vinyl catalog nomenclature), it’s still a celebratory moment to reach the ASIPV050 milestone. And of course, it had to be with Markus.

    Markus has been with the label since our first digital release series - The Places Series, with his Talking Clouds EP. I still remember clearly emailing Markus to see if he was interested in my rather humble proposal, and like the true gentleman he has been ever since, he graciously accepted and turned out an amazing set of music.

    Since then, Markus has gone on to release three 2LPs through the accidental triptych of Theia, Empire and Extropy, as well as two digital releases; Gradient Spirits, and a single track for Charity - Overtone (David’s Song). He has become the label’s most prolific partner, and has been a pleasure to work with since day one. So it is my absolute honor to introduce his new album which features eight similarly brilliant producers, in Kontrapunkt.

    Kontrapunkt by Markus Guentner View release page for full details

    Markus Guentner returns to his longstanding label, A Strangely Isolated Place, following the triptych of Theia, Empire, and Extropy, presenting eight inspiring collaborations on Kontrapunkt.

    Collaborations are nothing new to Markus, but it’s hard to see beyond his strong singular presence as a pioneer of long-form ambient and drone. Collabs have punctuated his albums in various places over the years, and he is no stranger to working as a duo amongst other projects, with such a strong conceptual thread throughout his prior ASIP releases, Kontrapunkt represents a literal pivot and counterpoint in his production approach. Instead of music encapsulating a strong conceptual narrative, Kontrapunkt sees Markus create a dialogue between himself and a collection of inspiring production partners. 

    Kontrapunkt opens with ‘Vanish’, a widescreen cinematic odyssey created in collaboration with fellow German and Affin label-head Joachim Spieth, forming the perfect opener with its modest subtleties. Australian-born Karen Vogt, renowned for her voice layering and looping, brings a beautiful, and natural addition to ‘All Light Will Remain’. 

    Sonae, who appeared on ASIP’s early digital releases, demonstrates her evolution into experimental flourishes with ‘Farbe Der Nacht’, adding pulsating techno tendencies and a menacing, metallic approach to Markus’ foundations. Multi-instrumentalist Pepo Galán harmonizes beautifully with Markus on ‘Ancestral Images’, adding complex nuances to a slowly evolving euphoric piece. 

    A master of synthesis, Arovane delivers a powerful display of supercharged electronics and coils of energy on ‘Utopian Fragments’. Benoît Pioulard's renowned expertise with guitars and tape distortion become a perfect counter to the electronics of Markus, blending styles seamlessly on ‘Father Of Waters’. 

    ‘An unstoppable force meets an immovable object’ on ‘While Hunting Nightmares And Dreaming For Peace’, as Abul Mogard adds powerful restraint in a meeting of two drone titans. The album concludes with ‘Presence’, where Hollie Kenniff’s uplifting vocals provide a shimmering finish, perfectly bookending an album of perfected counterpoints and evolutions on the Markus Guentner sound.

    Kontrapunkt will be available on Gatefold Black/Grey/Blue marble 2LP, digital and streaming on August 30th 2024. Mastered by Gio at Artefacts Mastering, Berlin, and featuring artwork by Noah M / Keep Adding.

     
    1 August 2024, 4:12 am
  • isolatedmix 127 - David Douglas & Applescal
     

    Two familiar names step up for our next isolated mix, with a highly conceptual approach that matches their new (and similarly conceptual) collaborative album, ‘Démarrage’.

    I’m unsure where I would start if I were to create an album based on a love of cycling. Weirdly enough, it wouldn’t be the first electronic album to do so (See Kraftwerk’s, Tour De France, of course), but it’s obviously a big enough inspiration to spur electronic producers David Douglas and Applescal. After listening to t‘Démarrage’, it makes total sense, in more ways than one. The energy, euphoria, drive - even the pop of color and variation in approach - an effervescent continual movement throughout its 10 tracks.

    Applescal contributed an isolatedmix some twelve (!) years ago now, and it remains one of our most popular in the series. Combining multiple styles across an addictive hour of listening, the session proved Pascal is a master at developing a conceptual narrative in mix form, and now evidently in album form. David Douglas, who has made numerous appearances on Pascal’s Atmonation label, with one highlight for me being 2014’s, Moon Observation’s, is similarly a man of conceptual understanding and many undercurrents, spending time scoring music for films and commercials, while also releasing under a new alias HATY HATY, which combines electronic and indie music tendencies.

    I imagined a hybrid of styles to appear on their mix submission, and I wasn’t disappointed. But for it to also match the concept of their new album, takes it up a notch. The mix, goes as slow as Chihei, with the euphoric highs of The Paradise, sudden bursts of pace in Eversines, the anguish in Bersarin Quartett, and the comforting (I can see the finish line-vibes) of Ulrich Schnauss, in an unexpecting manner that’s on par with the unexpectedness of Fourtet’s not-so-secret secret side project.

    Démarrage by David Douglas & Applescal

    “Just like our album "Démarrage," which is essentially a long mix of interconnected tracks, we aimed to tell a broad story with this mix. We love to approach music as a continuous mix, as you can set a certain different vibe and have tracks complement each other. Our mix for ASIP begins gently, like a warm bath, with the calming sounds of Chihei Hatakeyama's "Calm Sea." Later on, we bring up the pace with the remix from Roman Flugel. We end with a return to tranquility and introspection with work from Bersarin Quartett and Skúli Sverrisson. Just like on our new album, we added a bunch of samples of cyclists to capture the emotion of the race” - David & Pascal

    astrangelyisolatedplace · isolatedmix 127 - David Dougls & Applescal

    Listen on Soundcloud the ASIP Podcast or the 9128.live iOS and Android app

    Download MP3

    Tracklist:

    01. Chihei Hatakeyama - Calm Sea
    02. Tomaga - Intimate Immensity
    03. Kyle Hall, Kero - 19FT
    04. Unit Moebius - Dolfinarium
    05. Tambo’s House - Jhe Gu Jye
    06. Dusky - Metropolis
    07. C.A.R - Idle eyes. (Roman Fluegel Remix) Applescal body Edit
    08. The Paradise - In Love With You (Alan Braxe Remix)
    09. Fasme - Sweet Flux
    10. David Douglas & Applescal - Galibier
    11. David Douglas & Applescal - Galibier (Gruppetto)
    12. ⣎⡇ꉺლ༽இ•̛)ྀ◞ ༎ຶ ༽ৣৢ؞ৢ؞ؖ ꉺლ - ʅ͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡(ƟӨ)ʃ͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡ ꐑ(ཀ ඊູ ఠీੂ೧ູ࿃ूੂ✧✧✧✧✧✧ළඕั࿃ूੂ࿃ूੂ
    13. Eversines - Vlaag
    14. Eversines - Vlaag (Beatless Version)
    15. Ulrich Schnauss - A Letter from Home
    16. Bersarin Quartett - Verflossen ist das Gold der Tage
    17. Skúli Sverrisson - Instants

    Applescal | Bandcamp
    David Douglas | Website

     
    27 July 2024, 5:46 am
  • ASIP - Deep Breakfast Mix 267
     

    The Deep Breakfast mix series has slowly (quite quickly compared to my isolatedmix efforts!) become one of the greatest ambient-leaning mix series around, pulling in some of the finest curators and artists to grace our small world. From well-known artists and DJs to passionate music collectors, it seems Francesco, the curator, is intent on hosting a series truly meant for every corner of the ambient spectrum.

    The name of the mix series gives you an idea of what to expect, and for my submission, I battled hard with what style to attempt in order to live up to the many great mixes that have been featured before. Breakfast to me - deep or not - can often be light and uplifting - chill or even dubtechno on some mornings. But similarly, a deep breakfast may also mean the edges of light at 4 or 5am… and this is more the route I went with this mix. Look out for some of the many upcoming ASIP tracks featured in this one!

    Big thanks to Francesco for the invite, and I hope you all enjoy the mix.

    Deep Breakfast Series · Deep Breakfast 267 ~ ASIP

    Listen on Soundcloud or the ASIP Podcast

    Download MP3

    Tracklist:
    01. swanasa - AHO (A Strangely Isolated Place, Forthcoming)
    02. Hiemal - Pays D'en Haut I (Self)
    03. Thomas Koner - Nuut (Night) (Force Inc)
    04. Markus Guentner & Abul Mogard - While Hunting Nightmares And Dreaming For Peace (A Strangely Isolated Place, Forthcoming)
    05. Ayaavaaki & Purl - Einstein-Rosen Bridge (Passage II) (LILA)
    06. LF58 - Utopia (Northern Electronics)
    07. Avsluta - It's Always Lonely Being Free (Self)
    08. Pete Namlook & Bill Laswell - Angel Tech (Subharmonic)
    09. STBL - Carousel Of Light (Self)
    10. Mikkel Rev - Lauryl (A Strangely Isolated Place, Forthcoming)
    11. James Murray - Grace (Home Normal)
    12. Robert Rich - Summer Thunder (Self)
    13. OKRAA - Canto Luminoso a la Luna (A Strangely Isolated Place, Forthcoming)

     
    20 July 2024, 6:03 am
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