Clouds: USB Islands 2LP

Double twelve inch mini-album from downtempo meets dubstep outfit: Clouds. The Helsinki duo has been on a brief hiatus after dropping releases on an impressive collection of forward-thinking labels including Deep Medi Musik, Jahtari, Ramp Recordings, and 2nd Drop. Their sound re-emerges a lot more Boards Of Canada-ish, leaning more heavily on the downtempo and ambient side, but with the drum programming complexities of their dubstep roots. But don’t get too comfortable, “You Go To My Head” finds that dowtempo sweet spot and then abruptly institutes a drop (let the headphone madness begin!). 6 tracks in all, no filler, recommended.

• music label: Ramp Recordings 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013