Orbital
Orbital 2 (The Brown Album Expanded)
Yes, folks, this column is all about rewinding back and fast forwarding into the future, and this one is one of the most cherished time capsules, even for me! I remember picking up the original compact disc back in 1993, and yes, I still have it, along with the original green album, Snivilisation, and of course, In Sides. I’ve played this Brown Album on repeat for many days, and those who’ve been there along for the ride cannot deny the impact of Orbital‘s sound on the electronic music landscape. Go on and play HALCYON + ON + ON again! Now, this second album has been remastered at half-speed [sounds very clean and punchy on my Rega RP6 right now!] and re-released as a 4xCD boxset, 4xLP boxset, or 2LP/2CD editions. I opted for the massive vinyl box [even though the CD one was autographed on the shrinkwrapper!] which includes a 60-page hardcover book with reprinted flyers, stickers, and even a slipmat! The bonus tracks include a complete 1992 live set from NYC’s Limelight [a club where I basically grew up], while the CD boxset adds rare EP cuts and Peel Session recordings. The extras are also available as digital versions on Bandcamp or your favourite streaming platforms (on Qobuz it’s a 4-hour compilation release). Yes, the Green Album was also treated to a boxset remastered version last year, and I can only hope that Snivilisation is next! As you can see, I don’t have much to say about this music. This music has been saying it without me.
Illuvia
Mauna Kea
Admittedly, I mostly listened to Illuvia when this project by Ludvig Cimbrelius appeared on A Strangely Isolated Place label, with the last record, Earth Prism, immediately grabbing my attention and propelling it to my Best of the Year lists. So I’m happy to [re]discover the earlier pieces, including first edits and demo versions, composed between 2015 and 2022 on Cimbrelius’ own LILA लीला imprint, his other home for music under Purl, Eternell, and Abraço de Vapor monikers. Once again, we are sun-soaked with atmospheric breaks, shimmering outstretched pads, and tight, punchy bass. It’s a pleasure to awaken to it on a bright Sunday morning, with a bit of sonic radiance, progressively exuberant chords, and ethereal floaty rhythms. “While it sometimes feels like we are lost in the dark, music can be a medium through which the light reaches us. This is the primary meaning and intent behind Illuvia.” I love this soft illumination, reminding me to reflect on all the good that’s still left in this world, even as reality is twisted by the ones creating their distortion. If you like this, be sure also to check out a complimentary release, Where Clouds Dissolve Into Sky, which you can pick up for free [in the month of June 2025] simply by being a fan. There’s also a continuous mix of this album, originally appearing in April via ASIP’s isolatedmix series, which you can stream here. May the light be with you. May the darkness fade away.
Goldie Presents Rufige Kru
Alpha Omega
Floating around the smoke of atmospheric d’n’b from Illuvia and exploring the catalog depths of London Records, which brought us that Orbital expansion, I inevitably land on the latest banger from Goldie, releasing that old-skool-metalheadz-flavah of jungle and breakbeat sound from Rufige Kru. Even some of the samples on here are triggering Timeless flashbacks of that inner city life era. The track “Virgil” alone slaps you back into the 90s of long car rides and 4 am morning vibes. I queued it up for you below, so just hit play. Technically, besides the main protagonist named Clifford Price, this project includes James Davidson as Submotive. If you thought that drum’n’bass was played out and over, put on this record and see how even tired sounds can be brought to life in the hands of masters of their craft. I recognise that d’n’b may not exactly be your thing, but I assure you that this record [just as Goldie’s Timeless and Saturnz Return] has a place in electronic music history. But, if you know, you know, so don’t hesitate to pick up this 2LP picture disc or the limited-edition double white vinyl, if you can still find them. Otherwise, digital is your way to mayhem.
