Alex Smoke @ Cityvibes, 26 Dec

 

After what seems a massively long time, Alex Smoke is finally showing face again in Edinburgh. The tech-based electronica maestro comes with entirely new output this visit, as he’s been busy busy DJing (not forgetting his famed ‘live’ performances) to promote his new album, ‘Lux’. The new release is the result of three years graft, and is released on his label Hum and Haw. After the roaring success of last album ‘Paradolia’, Smoke’s new direction carries on the spirit of experimental electronica in abundance. The new productions reflect his classically trained background, while pushing a few boundaries in terms of technical skill and sonic landscape. The new sounds move from hypnotically entrancing psychedelia to more familiar tech territory, creatively merging beats and harmony with a meditative gloss. He's much revered for having oodles of talent and a diehard fan-base; Auld Reekie holds her arms wide open to welcome a real virtuoso.