Long-overlooked but quietly revered ambient electronica classic from shadowy Scottish producer Pub finally hath finally resurfaced some 19 years since its original inception.Set in the serotonin-depleted, post-clubbing early hour hues of the morning sun, Pub manages to elicit a genuine sense of melancholy and nostalgia with sensitive, rolling drum programming blanketed in warm / fuzzy melodies and a very real sense of emotional intelligence that’s more or less unequalled within his field.Woozy, static beat-less pieces underpin the work and sets the pensive mood, but it’s the rolling pieces that are truly arresting, the epic ‘Paper Aeroplane’ - 14 minutes of drifting ambience set in dub-techno hyperspace that’ll tug on the heartstrings of even the most hardened techno nut.There’s obvious nods in BoC in the wilting notes and more IDM-leaning structuring, but the grainy texture puts its closer to the world of Chain Reaction, although most importantly its a work that stands alone as surely one of the most important debut albums of a singular artist who remains intent to tread their own path.It’d be difficult to find a better, more immersive album to fully detach from the 2020 cluster fuck. A huge favourite around here, warmest recommends.(mint / new).
Tracklist Aside A1 In The Meantime 4:53 A2 Paper Aeroplane 14:47 Beside B1 Heavy Metal (Hand Over Fist) 3:42 B2 This Can't Be Happening 4:59 B3 Vilees Wideeo 8:46 Seaside C1 Luddite 2:09 C2 Faggy Trax 2:00 C3 Dilemma 6:27 C4 Optimistic In Wonderland 8:01 Decide D1 Overcome 11:17 D2 Slide Show 5:48
