The devil is in the detail, they say – and in this case Axel Boman shows how intricate productions can work wonders in electronic music. This is a tricky art, because so often less is more in dance music, particularly the house hybrid that he uses, but Boman seems to have found a way, like Matthew Herbert, of integrating a lot of ideas in to his work without it becoming too complex. ‘Dance All Night’ has the rhythm of disco-house but the intimacy of a compact dancefloor, with tiny riffs flicking in and out, while ‘Hello’ drifts in and out of consciousness, supported by a flexible bass line. Meanwhile ‘Fantastic Piano’ is a charming piece, with a crinkly keyboard sound and a bit of birdsong round the edges that takes it out and into the morning light. Despite the detail there is a strong sense of fun, too, and ‘No Sweden’ is a great bit of elastic funk, channelling the spirit of Can as it introduces some quotes from Bach’s ‘Toccata and Fugue’. Because of the detail, repeat listens to Boman’s record only reveal more – and make the whole experience an absolute pleasure. Your late night listening starts here!
5 out of 5
Reviewed by Ben Hogwood
