Villalobos* - Alcachofa

I have never been able to grasp this music speak, talking of analogue this, metropolitan that. I'll say it as it is. This LP still reveals unknown pleasures everytime I listen to it. It is harmonic; it has character; it has that hard to find quality that many record producers seek to find... It is an LP where its whole is as good as the best of its individual parts. So either listen to Alcachofa in part or in entirety you will be surprised and entertained everytime. Well done Mr. Villalobos.

In form with such high quality/concept producers such as cohorts Hawtin and Magda, Ricardo's album breathes with a moody sophistication that's both subtle and captivating. It presents both minimal organic dubs, complete with soft anolog hisses and purrs, and sleek metropolitan techno simultaneously without sounding trite or tired. In fact, it's the consitent combination and juxtaposition of these qualities that make this album a success. While the dissparate track won't be devasting dancefloors at 3 in the morning, the slow-burning continuity of his songs make this album a pleasure.

This release is that most unusual of beasts, a great house album. The tracks are excellently programmed, devilishly funky and on closing track 'Dexter', Villalobos manages to create a very mournful, poignant piece of of electronic music reminiscent (in mood if not the actual sound) of 'Stark Reality', the closing track on Rob Hood's classic 'Nighttime World Vol. 1'.

An utterly outstanding album of the highest quality - the deepest soundscapes and most interesting grooves i've heard from this artist. Essential.