Faustiandan Albums of 2015 - No.1

Solefald - World Metal. Kosmopolis Sud

World Metal. Kosmopolis Sud is bursting with ideas; a truly kaleidoscopic post-black metal feat. Solefald continue to push the boundaries of what Black Metal is and can be; with Kosmopolis they have perhaps delivered their most accomplished exercise in innovation. Their success lies in deconstructing and isolating aspects of True Black Metal and then re-contextualising them in unexpectedly satisfying soundscapes including faux ‘world music’ and euro dance floor. It is undoubtedly a metal album but is filled with a schizophrenic and relentless embodiment of different styles which are at times authentic and at other times parody. So many great experimental Black Metal bands had releases this year (Arcturus, Dodheimsgard, , Enslaved, Sigh, Liturgy, Deafheaven – many of which were very good), but this release really blew the cobwebs off the genre. 

Faustiandan Albums of 2015 - No.2

Oneohtrix Point Never – Garden of Delete

Daniel Lopatin’s experimental electronic music comes to a crowning culmination in Garden of Delete. Leaving behind the more sedate, dreamy leanings from his back catalogue, this is cut-up styles spliced back together in jarringly impressive ways. Yes it is disorientating; there’s a frenetic computer game vibe at times and the electro production seems to be driven by cyber-industrial glitch; but this confrontational electronic album is hugely satisfying.

Faustiandan Albums of 2015 - No.3

Big Blood – Double Days

Big Blood have an excellent Avant-Folk back catalogue spreading back nearly 10 years and the Double Days double album continues this high standard. Littered with wonderful melodies, superb compositions, drone interludes and an atmospheric psychedelic vibe, they also have an irresistible ability at cover songs – just check out their version of The Cure’s Disintegration. 

Faustiandan Albums of 2015 - No.4

Vessels - Dilate

Not being an expert in the fields of Microhouse and Tech house, this is a release I lump with the many excellent Minimal Techno albums I enjoy. In 2014 I was all about Francis Harris’ release; for 2015, this has maybe had even more spins. Certainly not channelling a new path, but everything is so beautifully done and its muted dance floor energy is instantly infectious.

Faustiandan Albums of 2015 - No.5

Floating Points - Elaenia

A series of Progressive House Eps didn’t really point towards this universally well received electronic jazz debut from Floating Points. Elegant synth work and brushed drumming create a lush and beautiful record that presents an artist exhibiting a fully realised vision on his first full length. Influences nod towards Tortoise, Nicholas Jaar, numerous Krautrock bands (especially Tangerine Dream) and, unmistakably clearly, Manuel Gottsching’s E2—E4. Ostensibly modern but wearing its retro influences proudly.