There is obvious diversity in the sound of Anchor, a compilation that is both interesting and quite listenable on the relatively young Saag record label.
Starting with a longer chilled out track from Logreybeam, this sort of low-fi ambience sets a good tone for what’s ahead. Proswell’s contribution has a sound you can surely expect if you’ve heard his album on Merck Records called Konami –stretched atmospheres that make for an enjoyable and thorough listen. One of the finest tracks comes from Energy In Woods (16 year old Toshiaki Ooi who runs the MP3 label Desk Elephant). Both tracks by Toshiaki Ooi from this compilation and also the track released on Desk Elephant are excellent –the sound can be explained as experimental improvisation combined with micro noises. Ilkae’s track is based on a simple repetitive loop that is quite effective (You can also find more of his work with labels like Civik and Neo Ouija). The killer-track on Anchor could be Sense’s “Simple Jam”, a perfect mix of pop ambience with a simple & memorable rhythm. Anchor ends with a rhythmic space ambient track from Epoq (Surgery/Corewatch fame). Anchor also features cuts from Somshit, MD, Kiyoshi Ono and Sabi, so you definitely get your money’s worth.
Overall, this compilation bares a general sound that is more experimental and less pop variation from the amazing indie-electronic sound coming from labels like Morr Music and City Centre Offices. Definitely looking forward to the future compilation and album releases from Saag.
Anchor is OUT NOW on Saag Records.
