Deru: Say Goodbye To Useless (Mush)

Deru: Say Goodbye To Useless (Mush) - Los Angeles electronic music producer Deru (aka Benjamin Wynn) marries cinematic compositions and big beats for a digestible yet immensely complex sonic score. Micro sliced beats are manipulated into blips, chirps and snaps to form the throbbing backbone, as ethereal strings, woodwinds, textural electronics and bells add body to the works. Left-field hip-hop and IDM fans will rejoice in this compelling album. Nearly Highly Recommended.

Boy in Static: Violet (Mush)

Boy in Static: Violet (Mush) - The sophomore album from Boy in Static (aka Alexander Chen) seems frozen in the icy atmospheres of dream pop.  Ethereal shoegaze guitar scrawls, verbose viola, cello, bandonion and vibes accentuate the rhythmic tundra, while mostly over-dramatic lyrics are delivered with whispered, breathy restraint.  Though the twilight sounds seldom truly engage, the textured soundscapes tickle the aural sense in subtle ways.  Good.