Floating Points – Crush
Crush is some of the most tightly-constructed and dense work Floating Points has ever released
In more recent times, he has evoked vast landscapes in ambient waves on Reflections – Mojave Desert, and carved fluid electronic soundscapes on his debut full-length Elaenia. But back in the late 00s Sam Shepherd, better known under the moniker of Floating Points, began rising to prominence as part of the UK bass scene. He nods to these roots on his latest record Crush, helping to form what Shepherd himself says is some of the most aggressive music he’s ever made.
Indeed, Crush presents some of his most tightly-constructed and dense work to date. Dancefloor-pulverising single LesAlpx is propelled by a muscular bass-ridden pulse while Bias combines almost jazz-like motifs with its otherwise feverish techno landscape. Yet in among these maximalist leanings are seemingly endless moments of sonic intrigue. Whether it’s the grand sweep of strings and stuttering electronics that combine to make Falaise such a heart-stopping overture, the gently orchestral and elegiac nature of Sea-Watch or the sparse, metallic intrusions that weave in and out of Karakul, Shepherd keeps the listener on their toes.
Among it all, he consistently imbues minute details, sometimes blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments that cry out for repeat listens to discover all of its intricacies. Crush may be some of Floating Points’ most assertive work, but sinking into its rich and deeply layered textures reaps countless rewards.
Listen to: LesAlpx, Sea-Watch
Read our interview with Sam Shepherd on the making of Crush
floatingpoints.co.uk