Escape. Sleep. Relax. Repeat. That’s the catchphrase by which the second volume of this compilation wants to be known, and in terms of what the collection helps you do, it’s spot on. As a sequel to last year’s outstanding effort, Sean Brosnan has if anything upped his game for the second volume, bringing together an imaginative choice of low slung grooves and ambient washes of sound. Nils Frahm & Ólafur Arnalds set the tone with ‘Life Story’, after which point there are sonic treats and unusual harmonies from Low Roar, Peter Broderick, Christian Loffler, Pausal and Matthew Bourne. The song-based material is a little odd – not a criticism! – with song choices like Happyness’ ‘Montreal Rock Band’ adding a quirky element, while the instrumentals take their sweet time with a winning blend of ambience and intimacy. ‘Journeys’ is a cut above your average compilation for musical down time, and if you use it either end of the day or on public transport then your cares will ebb clean away.
5 out of 5
Reviewed by Ben Hogwood
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