review: eleven into fifteen (a 130701 compilation)

This episode of Spaceman's Transmissions features a compilation from the label 130701 (which is an imprint of FAT CAT RECORDS). 130701 is known for it's stellar post-classical offerings, and this compilation is an amazing addition to every enthusiast that craves to build the perfect bridge between a thinking man's ambient and organic post-classical tapestries. I've already managed to use some of the music from this release on my last mix session WHEN NIGHT MEETS LIGHT. I have been putting a lot of mileage on this release with no signs of slowing down.

ELEVEN INTO FIFTEEN hosts an extraordinary roster of artists that each have a unique vision within the universe that encompasses post-classical. While the most familiar composer is Max Richter (whose song ON THE NATURE OF DAYLIGHT is very well known), the newer artists all develop a remarkably strong presence on the release. With this compilation, we usher in artists such as Jóhann Jóhannsson, Resina, Ian Craig Williams, and Hauschka to name a few. Each track develops to capture the range of emotive color and builds every subsequent journey to coincide with the following track. To say that the release is consistent in its development is an understatement. Hats off to the curator of this release for realizing that track order is one of the most vital aspects in nailing the intended vibe of any release. In considering this essential element, we are rewarded with a journey that feels as though it is a soundtrack to one of the best films you've never seen. 

review: orbital planes & passenger trains vol. 1

I was graciously blessed recently with an amazingly well put together album by the SEREIN label based in Wales and I got to spend a good amount of time taking in the music presented on this release. Happily, there are some familiar faces to Spaceman's Transmissions (Olan Mill, Brambles, The Inventors Of Aircraft). But what has really gotten me into this release was the joy (!) of discovering fresh new faces that have breathed color and light into a compilation that is destined to be my absolute favorite release of 2016. And I SHOUT this fact from the highest rooftop with confidence and conviction!

It goes without saying that anytime a label releases a compilation, they do so with the intent that they display the music that represents their vision. Many times, however, compilations use the tactic of featuring a strong intro but far too often veer off course for lack of inventiveness and emotive flow. The success of compilations need to effectively pull the listener into a new world without merely surviving on the names of their artist roster. Far too often, it seems that compilations can leave one cold (excepting, in my opinion, the latter FUTURESEQUENCE releases) with meandering and an unfocused experimentation that lead nowhere.