Kettel ‎– Myam James 2

Kettel issues his second helping of MYAM JAMES. There's less acid here, and the overall vibe is somewhat slower than the first MYAM JAMES (even if the fast breaks and harpsichord on "Kingscourt Imp" conspire to disprove me). But "Shinjuku Inn" shows Kettel's simpler side with just two instruments in the mix ("You Understand This Night?" will follow this up with another beautifully spare arrangement and melody). The bell-like tones on "Cherie" bring to mind a walk at sunset on a beach, while "Song from Toverpeeks" is like ascending a long staircase into a bright light. "Pers Patrys" goes into neo-Classical mode, with its cello and zither-like strings, and "Boekebaas" jettisons us back into the future, harkening back to the first track. "Hymnuh" sounds, indeed, like a hymn, only with reverb, whereas "Verkens In Londen" is like that scene in _Band of Outsiders_, when the heroes run through the Louvre. And I didn't know a song dedicated to a fish could be so soothing, but there you have "Song from 4PM Herring." "Memory Steps" piles on the melody until you're blissfully swimming in them, and "Fish Creek" closes the album on the acoustic piano again which fades into ambiance. A diverse album, and quite sublime overall.

Reimer Eising's second volume of "Myam James" is exquisite, totally enthralling even. He always seems to take electronica to a new place first, and others will soon follow. There are variety of styles at play from 21st century ambient groove on "Kingscourt Imp" followed by lovely acoustic piano on "Shinjuku Inn". The piano goes chiming electric on "Michael Space Airlines" and "Cherie". This album is unabashedly romantic and the combination of violin, piano and programming makes for classical infused electronica of the best kind. Another great release from Sending Orbs.