Technoid glitch? Tribal ambient? Futuristic soundtrack? Who cares, it's magnificent. One of those albums that unfolds more and more beautifully with each listen. Sellakaers has truly come upon his own sound here, and even though it fits well with the rest of the Hymen roster, this is really something unique. One of the best (and most overlooked) releases of 1999, and still a favorite four years onwards.

Somewhere between Autechre and Haujobb lies Xingu Hill. If there were an industry award for sleeper of the year, Xingu Hill might just win with this delicious silicon tote of complicated electonic structures. With a scattered discography of scarce releases, Belgium native John Sellekaers manages to protrude from the woodwork on the increasingly notable Ant-Zen sublabel Hymen, for this beautifully composed 50 minute daydream. Packaged in a canvas wrap of exquisite artwar courtesy of the label's mediator S.alt, this innovative masterpiece of electronic purity incorporates near-perfect compositions of futurism and intricate sample arrangements. Scattered sounds and sponge-like spurts of tight resonance speckle this release along with dark undercurrents leaning against warm tones and clever beat interaction. Thoughtful structure and merging track lengths exhibit John's precise programming abilities and careful undertakings. Elements of IDM circa Autechre and Architect are slightly present here but 'Alterity' is certainly in a class all its own. After experiencing this complex slice of intelligent electronic art, one may find himself scouring for this notable act's entire back catalogue. Fans of Passarani and recent Haujobb are urged to give this one a listen. 'Alterity' will certainly make it on many critics top 10 list for 1999, including your humble reviewer's.