Ricardo Villalobos - Achso

First impressions, i.e. that this record is a complete noodle-fest can be very deceiving.

Granted, this record is indulgent, with all of it's tracks taking over 10 minutes to develop. But a patient listener is rewarded with 4 tracks of unprecedented depth featuring a mesmerising quality of sound.

My personal favourite is Erso. Its oppressive off-beat kick and sparse programming work are set against a melancholic latin guitar beamed down from another planet. A potent mood-setter.

Possibly the most straight forward release thus far by Ricardo. This is a dj tool first and foremost and then directly underneath that it's quite a beautiful record. Equal parts house in a be-mushroomed Larry Heard sort of way as it is equal parts Stacy Pullen-ized techno as it is equal parts S.M.I.L.E. or Hardkiss and something else entirely. A merge of many things which whirr and click along in the mid 120's. Certainly not minimal in content, with exception to the skeleton on which each side rests on. Each side grows and develops organically and offers little resistance to working over. As a dj tool this record is something which can be placed and used strategically as a bridge and a tool to go inbetween vast territories of music to elevate into a sound that is not for purists, but for enthusiasts and dancers alike.

More hypnotizing rhythms from Villalobos with odd samples and effects going off in the background..
This man is defintely at the top of the minimal scene.
Killer!

Fantastic Record!
Especially the A-sided Sieso with its melancoly weird guitar and dreamy loops.
A "must-have" record if you are into the sound of Villalobos