Exhumed from storage, replayed for words....

Gez Varley: Bayou Paradis (Force Inc) - CD released May 2001

Always had a soft spot for this album. Released by the less-famous non-Bjork producing half from the massively influential LFO. This came out on the sorely-missed Force Inc. label way back in 2001 and still sounds fresh today. It’s eight variations on an effective template: shimmering dub techno that evokes a balearic vibe. First heard this during the Sonar Festival of the same year and for me is indelibly linked to the events of that summer. Focus on ‘Les Soliel’, ‘Les Cartes’ and ‘Soul Gate’.

Pixel: Display (Raster Noton) - CD released October 2003

Beautifully packaged release from the masters of accessible minimalism, Raster Noton. Out of all the releases that came out as part of the Raster Post series, this was the one that got listened to the least (the stunning SND aka Blir album won out that time). Rumble-strength sub-bass, micro-melodies and mid-tempo excursions make for pretty laid-back listening. Certainly not as tense as Carsten Nicolai’s output, but neither is it poppy as Frank Bretschneider’s material.