Even with its subtle experiments and ethereal outer shell, this 13-track compilation is a fitting staging ground for Cartesian Binary’s upcoming release schedule.
[Release page] Rena Jones‘ Cartesian Binary Recordings label released their debut compilation entitled Cloud 11 back in May 2011, a downtempo collection of predominately chilled electronic excursions and leftfield dynamics that frolic in warm surroundings. Inspired by about a years worth of collaboration and coordination, here’s how it all breaks down.
Disonaur opens with “Spirit Platypus Guide,” a sentimental track akin to that of a Boards Of Canada outing, and even with that descriptor, it somehow manages to disembark on a casual blend of ambience and jazzier extracts. Funckarma’s “The Magnetic Flip (8D),” featuring Rena Jones, reminiscent of the duo’s Automotive outfit, unearths a platter of fidgeting beats and their characteristic juggling of high-hats. Komposit steps in with “Pma Pnku,” a disjointed take on funk, electro-acoustics and smoldering rhythms. Ben Milstein flexes his classical background; the piano taking center-stage as lightly brushed percussion and atmospheric manipulation encapsulates its surreal landscape (a definite high note on Cloud 11). Gasp takes bass, distortion, and synths to their extents as a smorgasbord of reflecting melodies melt overtop “Ubique.” The Abominable Twitch’s “River” is perhaps the crossroads for this compilation; a sincere trip-hop beat slides across the spectrum of evolved and emotional layers. Helios’ “Stasis” is a calming, sobering piece that cascades around heartbroken memories of the past yet somehow ends with a more uplifting glow. Hands Upon Black Earth offers “Black Ribbons,” a Detroit Escalator Company inspired number that ricochets low-tumbling basswork with an instrumental hip-hop laden groove. EVAC’s “What Once Was West,” also features Rena Jones, and what is unveiled is a secluded environment of rhythmic clipping, waving violins and an abstract pulse full of nostalgia and introspection. Field Rotation dips into the abyss and gets lost in an abundance of space as gradual sheets of loosened beats wave to and from its core. Funckarma’s second outing on Cloud 11, also featuring Rena Jones, dives through open voids of chaos, distraction and beauty tucked away inside blankets of ambient propulsion. “Your Light,” the second to last movement by The Moving Dawn Orchestra, is an inspirational milieu of shoegazing frequencies and subtlety that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go throughout its 6-minute opus. The closing track by Phidelity (“Cloud Architecture”) is perhaps best defined as a mixture of cottony rhythms and mid-90’s era Artificial Intelligence as it slips across the ears with a uplifting focus.
In the end, Cloud 11 doesn’t exactly break new ground, nor does it really have to. Instead, what’s on offer is a dosage of tranquil escapes for summertime drives on the Coast, settling in as a backdrop to good times with friends and family. And even with its subtle experiments and ethereal outer shell, this 13-track compilation is a fitting staging ground for Cartesian Binary’s upcoming release schedule.
Cloud 11 is out now on Cartesian Binary. [Release page]
Various – Cloud 11 by CartesianBinary
