Description

Crush is the Floating Points album I’ve always wanted. While I enjoyed the subtle classical minimalism of Elaenia, Crush is Sam Shepherd doing what he does best; rolling out functional, immaculately-crafted tracks for the dancefloor that tickle the synapses, delivering on the promise of early singles “Vacuum Boogie,” “People’s Potential” and “J&W Beat” in long form. The best tunes here hit you squarely in the chest but are still as *intelligent* as you’d expect from a guy with a PhD in neuroscience. “Last Bloom” is microtonal electro reminiscent of some of RDJ’s more dancefloor-tuned fare; “Anasickmodular” is swinging breaks-fueled ruffage, tuff as any speed garage classic with atmosphere for days. Early preview single “LesAlpx” is back in slightly abridged form (get the extended mix here) as the album’s centerpiece, a cunning slice of dark house that seems like it would go off just as hard at Berghain as it would at EDC or even your local bar gig. “Bias” is a slinky roller draped in brooding synth cascades and a hefty swinging rhythm indebted to vintage 2-step (a nod to Zed Bias, innit). This is the Floating Points record for the punters, but there’s enough Buchla synth meditations (”Karakul,” “Birth,” “Sea-Watch”) and mutant orchestral twissups (“Falaise,” “Requiem for CS70 and Strings”) to please the chin strokers too. LP version includes 4-page booklet with the musical score for “Birth.” Recommended.