In the last twelve months the British imprint has clocked up some excellent EPs from the likes of Galaxian, Inkamera and Jazaus the Shining. Now LKT is heading into the colder, darker months of Winter with two new artists to add to its expanding roster..
It seems a number of electronic labels are picking 2013 as the year to increase their productivity. Last Known Trajectory is no exception to this supposed rule. In the last twelve months the British imprint has clocked up some excellent EPs from the likes of Galaxian, Inkamera and Jazaus the Shining. Now LKT is heading into the colder, darker months of Winter with two new artists to add to its expanding roster.
Gerald Donald (aka Dopplereffekt), has been on a releasing spree of late. The US artist has been delivering EPs for the likes of Leisure System and remixing for ArD2. This time Donald is teaming up with a new name, Chilean musician Nicolas Estany (aka Visonia), to bring Die Reisen. Three tracks, all quite short, make up the record. But don’t confuse brevity with lack of content. The A-side is introduced by the title piece, a construct of the Donald and Estany partnership. The track is slow, bpms kept low for a wandering work of deep electronics. Emotions, often stymied in Electro, are on full show as broad chords are laced with fragile touches and brisk beats. The flip is occupied by Visonia. First up is “Antarctic Love.” The slow pace of the predecessor is carried through. The track is superb, heartening and uplifting. The finale is a curious close. The soundscapes that characterized the 12” give way to warmer analogue chords as a burgeoning piece of synth pop takes hold. “Impossible Romance” changes the tone. The track is full figured, Estany scoring sounds akin to the likes of Suicide Booth or Dream Disco for an elating end.
Federico Leocata is quickly becoming a rising star in the world of Electro. The Italian newcomer has been developing a stark yet structured sound on labels like Abstract Forms. For LKT Leocata’s six tracks take the form of The Man From Another Place. The title track opens and darkness descends. Cold winds course with stripped beats and bared chords. “Misidentification Syndrome” layers chilling notes before a searing snare cuts through the glacial movements, warmer tones being consumed. Leocata’s interest lies in the often bleak and less illuminated elements of electronics. “The Same Particles” unsettles as it draws the listener into a blackened world. “The Mirror” lifts the clouds somewhat. Murky atmospheres give way to brighter rays, analogue sunspots piercing the freezing fog. “The World Spins” closes, a frugal and cold finale that sees those grey skies return.
LKT is a label at the forefront of UK Electro. Alongside imprints like Abstract Forms and Cultivated Electronics, this British imprint has managed to unearth new and talented artists whilst releasing quality works from existing talent. Visonia’s abilities shine from the outset, and keep on beaming across Die Reisen. Leocata takes the rigid Electro formula and adds his own eclipsed moments to the clank and judder of the machine. Excellent through and through.
Both releases are available on Last Known Trajectory.
