Sigma Editions are a label who excel in subdued, expansive sound-scapes, often reminiscent of all that was good about Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works II (Warp). This is their first LP release, and their second full length by the current hero of the minimal scene, Vladislav Delay.
Those who have heard Vladislav Delay releases such as Ele (Sigma Editions) or Entain (Mille Plateaux) know what to expect here. A quiet harmonic bed underpins layers of sputtering and irregular percussive elements as they career off through echo units. Steeped in atmosphere, the resultant gorgeous mess is at once soothing and chaotic.
The opening “Keppi” takes familiar fans into slightly new territory, with a reasonably clear kick and snare rhythm pattern giving the track an exciting momentum, nicely countered by the more typical accidents of multiple echo patterns rolling through.
“Ventola” is based around a progression of drawn out notes, rising and falling in a manner that reminded me of Autechre’s Garbage e.p. (Warp). Layers of sharp clicks and pops build, eventually giving way to a deeper, rolling rhythm reminiscent of Porter Ricks’ “Port of Nuba” (Chain Reaction), and returning to provide counterpoint and dynamics.
The entire B side is the my-speakers-cannae-take-it bass excursion by the name of “Koski”. While very distinctively in Vladislav Delay’s more mellow style, the irregular, loud bass bursts are a bit too much for my system. Perhaps if I had the opportunity to listen to this in a different environment I could get into it, but however quietly I play it I can’t help but cringe. A pity, as musically, the quality is certainly there.
