Devil In the Detail

They Say...

Review by Rick Anderson, All Music Guide

Perhaps the best thing about the intersection of technology and music is the way it allows stylistic cross-pollination to take place so quickly. Frustrating as it may be to try to keep track of the metastasizing profusion of electronica genres and subgenres -- quick: compare and contrast the elements of glitchcore and drill'n'bass; oops, too late -- if you just relax and let yourself luxuriate in the constant flow of new beat patterns and new musical textures, the kaleidoscopic variety ends up being lots of fun. The Interchill label staked out for itself several years ago a little corner in the ambient-downtempo neighborhood, and with this new compilation (put together by British DJ and graphic designer Nick Edell) it's branching out towards a slightly funkier and more energetic sector. Some of the artists will be familiar to those who keep a close eye on developments in the electronica world: Eat Static, Faction, and especially the always brilliant Gaudi. Others are more obscure, but all of them provide tracks that are worth hearing and most are worth repeated listens. The album begins slowly and gently with ambient excursions by Faction and Cheju, then starts picking up steam with glitchy funk from Nalepa, and somewhat more muscular funk from Ooah. By the middle of the program hints of jungle are starting to creep in, and things come to a head near the end with Chaos by Design's propulsive "Immerse," after which things cool off just a bit with the more laid-back "Ruler" by Legiac. Highly recommended overall.