Relapxych.0 / Quantec / Deer - Shapes And Phases Of Ambience CD - In stock

Yes, this is an absolute belter... although perhaps belter isn't the right word. I don't know. What I do know, though, is that this is a beautifully put together three-way split CD from Relpxyxh.0's own label and features a delicious combination of ambient, mellow, atmospheric and beautiful electronic music.

To a degree, the Quantec tracks deliver a hit of dub techno but, in a similar way to his release on Quietus, there's a more introspective, relaxed tone here that's driven more by the sounds than the beats. Whichever way you look at it, these are great tracks.

Deer (aka Martin Hirsch - new co-boss of Neo Ouija) provides the electronica connection with some delightfully crunchy and classically melodic electronics. It's got an organic lilt to it as well as an almost sculptural feel. Very nice.

Relpxych.0's own tracks bridge the gap between the two other artists to a degree and they feature a wonderful blend of both melody and soundscape textures. It's not quite Berlin sounding, but there's a hint of it, and it's definitely not UK electronica style, and yet again, there's an influence in there. You also get a super mixture of minimal techno sounds that are definitely from the deeper end of things. Almost a bit Benjamin Brunn / Move D-esque is what I'd say if pushed.

In conclusion this is a total bargain at £6.99 as you get a full albums worth of material and it's all of exceptionally high quality.

On the strength of this I'll be keeping a very close eye on future releases from this label. Marvellous stuff!

Go straight there now...

Smallfish Reborn

New logo and ownership but retaining the same passion for quality electronic music... Smallfish is once more entering a new phase.

I've always loved electronic music and as Smallfish has slowly become more and more my baby, it seemed natural to take it on on my own. Yes, it's going to be hard and very much a full time job (oh yes...) but I still feel it's important to represent the physical side of music in this day and age.

As people move towards downloading more and more, I have to ask myself if we're not losing something that's an integral part of music. The tactile side, if you like, where a sense of ownership and simply having something is an important part of the experience.

Now that there are more labels producing more releases than ever it can be somewhat overwhelming. And the fact that a lot of these releases are limited in nature can make it even more difficult to source new releases. I aim to try and provide an outlet for those people that like to get as much as they can in one place making for a more convenient way of shopping.

As ever I'm driven by love, not money, which is why you'll find Smallfish stocking small quantities of very hard to find releases. As I get back on a more even keel over the next few months you can expect a more regular dose of releases that are more widely available, but they'll be mixed in amongst the likes of U-Cover, Experimedia, Ghost Sounds, 12k, Silentes, Boltfish, Ampoule and all the other labels I love to represent. Not to mention, of course, the releases on my own Smallfish imprint.

So, here's to another era for Smallfish... may it be a long and happy one!

Peace.

Mike.