Sam ‘Hatchback’ Grawe’s recent album on Lo Recordings hit deep with its succulent cosmic-stew and now the man is back with fellow San Francisco producer Daniel ‘Sorcerer’ Judd on a delicious expansion of their previously-digital only ‘Windsurf EP’ on Prins Thomas’s Internasjonal label. It’s a stone-cold multi-hued gas from the widescreen opening ‘Moonlight Sun’ onwards: over its cool, flickering lope the pair lash shimmering keyboards and guitars [which somewhat recall Steely Dan-10cc] which they then spike with lysergic melodic sweeps and a tangible blast of cool coastal breeze. Vocals appear on the bright, guitar-stroked ‘Light’ before ‘Pocket Check’ sets up a prime example of New York’s early 80s electro-boogie being stuck on board the space shuttle to the nearest interplanetary disco. So it goes on, through further sublimely-intoxicating outings like their self-titled theme tune, weightless floatation vamp ‘Cracking The Cube’ and ham-slapping galactic funk of ‘White Soweto’, ‘Bird Of Paradise’ gain recalling Steely Dan with its fragile vocal and warm chords. The closing credits beam out of a baboon’s bottom on the beatless themes of ‘Crystal Neon’, finishing up one of the most enjoyable excursions yet to these cerebral electronic realms.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs
