Howling

Arriving via a partnership between Modeselektor's Monkeytown and Ninja Tune's Counter imprint, Howling is a seemingly unlikely collaboration between Âme's Frank Wiedemann and Australian folk crooner, Ry X. The first point of mention is just how flawlessly stunning the spacious yet intricate production work is – so much so that Ry's soft vocals in the opening two tracks ('Signs' and 'Stole The Night') feel slightly unnecessary. But this isn't to say there's a lack of synergy, as 'X Machina', 'Litmus' and 'Forest' make for immersive songs. Instrumentals 'Zürich', 'Quartz', 'Lullaby' and the two interludes are all equally balanced, and help make up a tranquil masterclass in downtempo electronics.