- Ai Records Summer Sampler finds London label Ai continuing to seek out well produced and high quality music of all electronic persuasions. I stress “all” because the most impressive aspect of this release is its range. Ai's strength has always been its permeability and here they showcase Convextion-esque techno, indietronica, electro hip-hop, downbeat and general wonky goodness. A lot of studio time has gone into these eleven tracks so if it sounds like it has taken a week to arrange each bar, then it's because it probably has. This devotion demands to be reciprocated by more than average effort from the listener and it does take a good few listens to get under the skin of most tracks. The time is worth setting aside, though, because the thoughtfulness and introspection put in is an absolute joy to get out.
The mood is one of restrained yet intense emotion, exemplified by standout artist Datasette, who contributes two tracks, 'Pluck' and 'Damage Report'. 'Pluck' is nothing less than a stunning sonic flower opening up in front you, while 'Damage Report's' mild glitch and soft valves work beautifully together. To be honest, though, any track from his excellent self-titled album would have been hard to top—although this doesn't stop the other artists giving it a damn good try. The Third Man comes closest with the distant rave lushness of 'A14', one of five deep techno cuts that sound like you're hurtling along at 500mph on one of those Japanese magnetic levitation trains. Michael Manning, who contributes three tracks, best symbolises Ai's interest in fusion of the label's past and new styles. 'Numb' mixes Atari carnage with hip hop beats and intense, icy synths, whilst on 'Centre of the Universe' powerful strings are complemented with fluttering rave stabs.
What's also of note about these tracks is the fact they've been released for the summer. Electronica like this is generally associated with chilly winter days as pristine as the music, but, having loaded up my iPod and headed to the beach, I can personally testify they make a splendid accompaniment to the seaside. This is especially true of the last track, Michael Manning's ‘The Lost Aberrant Dragonfly’, which is about as relaxing as lying in a hammock with the breeze gently rocking you back and forth.
Tracklist01 Najem Sworb - Teranidian
02 Plant43 - Grey Sky Cracks
03 The Third Man - A14
04 Plant43 - Bristle White Trees
05 The Third Man - 6 AM on Leith Walk
06 Datassette - Damage Report
07 Datassette - Pluck
08 Michael Manning - Center of the Universe
09 Michael Manning - Numb
10 Sinner DC - Summer 57
11 Michael Manning - The Lost Aberrant Dragonfly