Ariadne's Labyrinth - Twist & Turns

[Touched Music]

Artist : Ariadne’s Labyrinth

Title: Twists & Turns

Label: Touched Music

Cat no: TM66

Format: CD/Digital

Country: U.K.

Artwork: The Designers Republic

Style: IDM/Electronica

Release Date Oct 27th 2017

 

This is what nicely sums up the Touched label. After the surprise release of one of the biggest names in recent electronic music history, Autechre, it's equally humbling to be able to offer up talented, up and coming artists. It makes us realise that there are those out there just as impressive as the established masters. There's a place for everyone here and we welcome them with open arms.

 

"Twists And Turns" is simply stunning. After an initial EP release earlier this year on Detroit Underground with 'Lost And Founded' and a contribution to Touched Music's summer mix that reappears here, 'Ariadne's Labyrinth' delivers a complex and intricate work that screams effort and talent.

 

It opens boldly and doesn't screw around. Leads are in your face, breaks and rhythms delicately layered and nearly all of the tracks build up beautifully into crescendos that are deconstructed with equal majesty.

 

With an almost leftfield feeling at times, I'm often reminded of 'Spokes' (the everlasting joy from Warp Record's Plaid) and the live tour that went along with it - twisted delays and assertive melodies guiding you from one track to the next. Most tracks could easily intertwine and the whole experience is both dance-worthy and contemplative with a rolling middle portion reminiscent of the best bits of the 'Dial P' mix rolled into one. This is both excitingly new and nostalgic.

 

A skilled violinist and pianist, the training shines through with impeccably self-recorded & sampled violin scattered about the album. It bridges the electroacoustic gap while firmly staying loyal to electronica, neither raw or over-processed with a perfect level of usage.

Similarly impressive is the use of scattered Amen-style breaks and confident kicks that underpin the whole thing.

 

Although full of variety it never feels like it's searching for a purpose or trying too hard to fit in. I can relax or I can boogie, the choice is mine as the choice is there. From ambience to Klezmer and Jazz influences through a bevy of melodic electronica the whole thing ends perfectly with a relaxed piece that gives you a chance to contemplate what just happened.

 

And albeit less secret and surprising as they used to be, it's lovely to be presented with a hidden track - my first listen was a pleasant revelation that my experience wasn't quite yet over.

 

Be sure to expand your collection and grab a copy from Touched Music, as always proceeds will be going to the ever-deserving Macmillan Cancer Support!

 

26th 8PM Mixlr Preview Show

http://mixlr.com/touched-music/

 

Buy Here - https://touched.bandcamp.com/album/twists-turns

[Alfreddo]

Sounds really really good. Nice one. Definitely grabbing a copy!

[Touched Music]

Mixlr Show and Preview In 45 Mins

http://mixlr.com/touched-music/

[batch]

oh boy, this brothomstates vs sense...what a giant tune

 

Mixlr Show and Preview In 45 Mins
http://mixlr.com/touched-music/

[BUNKUM]

Great show, album ordered

[Bubba69]

I like the tunes and the song structure but the drums just feel a bit too heavy/chunky for my tastes. The melodies aren't anything amazing IMO, but they are good, and digestible, and safe. I can see the comparison to plaid in some of them but. Solid though, worth at least a listen.

[Extralife]

She has really been honing her craft.  Been listening to her stuff since early on and see a huge progression in technique.  Nothing too challenging here, but that is not the point.  She has crafted an album that flows so well from start to finish.  Love.

[Touched Music]

Stand out tune for me from the album...

 

just so good

 

https://touched.bandcamp.com/track/omnisomething

[Goiter Sanchez]

Whoa almost sounds right off of Spokes. Cool track, especially the swell after 2:30 which is fuckin lovely.

[Touched Music]

yeah as a Massive Plaid fan my self i have to say,this album is right up there with them

[KovalainenFanBoy]

touch me daddy

[ARPA]

Lovely album, purchased!

[Touched Music]

Ariadne's Labyrinth - Looking For Raindrops

[Sally Vingoe]

 

 

wow

 

sold

[ncrtx]

great album

[Touched Music]

My Fav from the album

[goDel]

Have to say the album didn't stand out initially. It didn't grab me by the balls on first listen, but it's a grower. The melodies are awesome. They just need some time/space to sink in. Good stuff!