Anjou

Two members of Kranky originals Labradford reunite for the first time in over a decade, joined by percussionist Steven Hess. The music is subdued but barely ever peaceful, suggesting a slow-moving sci-fi noir. Dark drones and glitchy ambient noise dominate the sound, sometimes punctuated by heavily manipulated rhythms. Think Labradford’s dronier moments crossed with Fennesz, Tim Hecker, or Ethernet. Perfect for a paranoid 2 AM walk. Favorites: 2, 4, 5, 6. No words, no FCCs.

1. (4:52)—Crackling electronics, UFOs landing slowly, deep bass plunks.
2. *(7:27)—Hiccupping, rhythmic refrigerator noise. Warm drones, electronic dings. A quiet, jazzy beat enters in the second half.
3. (2:15)—Drone + quickly panned noise. Robot crickets.
4. *(7:40)—Pulsing synth. Clattering, fuzzed-out drums emerge from the background.
5. *(7:06)—Swelling blankets of drone smothering a barely-audible drum circle.
6. *(3:50)—Deep bass, faded synth piano, distant rattling chimes. Very pretty.
7. (8:40)— Approaches downtempo territory—the most relaxing track of the bunch. Slow, subtle, rolling beat enters about two minutes in.
8. (5:56)—Chilly, glittering synths. Easygoing noise.