The best electronic music of 2014 could be found in thoughtful experimentation and dancefloor-ready fun. But the ones who led the way were the pioneers.
British ambient composer Jon Hopkins creates dark, intimate landscapes of analogue and electronic sound on his new “ceremonial” album RITUAL.
Boards of Canada’s Music Has the Right to Children is murky, burned, and melted. It sounds like 1980s synth, disco, new age, and new wave heard through a wall.
Gentle Confrontation is undoubtedly Loraine James’ most intimate record to date and best overall as she reaches new heights in her production craft.
This year’s best electronic albums span the widest range of styles of any genre, ranging from poppy and melodic electro to the experimental outer reaches.
Electronic music legend Mike Paradinas is having a big year, with the 25th-anniversary edition of the classic Lunatic Harness, as well as the new LP Magic Pony Ride.
If you thought Danny Elfman’s Big Mess was crazy, wait until you hear ‘Bigger. Messier.’ featuring remixes from Squarepusher, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Trent Reznor, Iggy Pop, and more.
Matmos flit between the high and low transforming them into sound art that gives pop culture a friendly jostling on Regards/Ukłony dla Bogusław Schaeffer,
Mike Paradinas’ (aka µ-Ziq) current creative streak takes a quick break with the Goodbye Remixes EP. Some of the remixes add perks the originals didn’t have.
If DJ Python’s Mas Amable felt watery, Club Sentimientos feels oceanic. It’s vaster, fuller, and more expansive than anything Bryan Pineyro has ever made.
μ-Ziq may have found his perfect counterpart in Mrs Jynx because Secret Garden succeeds in so many ways that Expert Knob Twiddlers with Aphex Twin did not.
It’s rewarding to hear Rival Consoles expand his range and infuse his unique brand of techno with more droning and expansive qualities on Overflow.
