Electroconductor - About Time

The grandiose sounds and textures of classical orchestras unsurprisingly sit rather well with breakbeat and melodica. Comparisons have been made to DJ Shadow, Moby, and Aphex Twin, which we can't argue against, but Arlo Giunchi aka Electroconductor brings in a richer and retro tone and depth. There's a positive theme to the titles and music, which at times can become a little twee, or perhaps kitsch is more appropriate. Vostok opens the album and will be the first single - a piece peppered with Aphex Twin echoes and layered violins, relaying a sense of tension, relief, and even warmth. Throughout the album there is a comprehensive understanding of composition, coupled with practical abilities and high quality production. Change Your Mind lends an arcade quality, with keys reminiscent of the Outrun computer game. Decipher is the mini homage to Jean Michel Jarre that all electronica artists must complete as a scene-initiation rite, and Switch On strips away the melody for a moment to reveal an Aphex rhythm archetype and more acidic tones to the synths. For the most part strings and piano play a central part in Electroconductor's music, as well as flirtatious dabblings with a retro sound. It will be interesting to see this transferred to the dancefloor. [Alex Burden]