The 123rd release on Suffused Music finds the label presenting its first ever artist album. It's a momentous occasion for the Lithuanian imprint which also sees the debut of Gibbon to the label. The Serbian artist has been crafting melodic shades of house and electronica for the last six years with appearances on Bonzai's Green Martian division being one of many highlights. Now as 2016 begins we see Gibbon presenting his long awaited debut LP entitled 'Birth Of Whales'.
In a journey which unfolds over ten pieces Gibbon explores various stylistic shifts with a common theme of melody and soul. Beginning with the playful piece 'Sea Turtles Migration' it immediately sets a tone of lighthearted and childlike motifs which the rest of the album explores so beautifully. The title selection 'Birth Of Whales' ups the tempo nicely, before a rush of textural warmth introduces a chain of aquatic motifs and cascading keys, which dominate the break. It's funky groove and whimsical romp are irresistible and make for an invigorating conclusion. This leads perfectly into the deeper, musical gem 'Caribbean Sunset' with its sax-like hooks and marimbas conjuring up a seaside atmosphere. Aptly coined 'Spring Awakening' brings visions of leaves changing colour and warm breezy days. It's kaleidoscopic keys and bouncy groove are perfect for signalling the beginning of a brighter moment in our existence. Now nearing the halfway point Gibbon shifts the mood into something a touch more minimalistic in 'Hunted Deer'. A charged groove provides the perfect foundation for its elaborate keys to work their magic and a piano led break lifts the emotion a notch or two higher before a flute motif seals its overall brilliance.
The aquatic themed journey continues with 'Underwater Caves', a spirited melodic composition with soft rhythmic tones, vibrant melodies and great flute themes once again. The albums seventh and perhaps darkest selection 'Enlightenment' brings the mood down nicely with some subversive themes and a spoken word sample which many may recognize from Hallucinogen's psychedelic trance classic 'LSD'. With the journey nearing its peak the album's eighth track 'Time' keeps things a touch more understated with a nice complement of flirtatious keys and sparkling electronics, all backed by another stupendous groove that's perfectly dialed in for the dance floor. Upping the tempo now Gibbon presents one of the album's most sincere creations 'Blizzard'. A magical presence is locked away in those mesmerizing keys and a perfectly executed break bring a rush of warm emotions into the third act. The album's closing piece, an ambient version of 'Spring Awakening' is perhaps its most poignant, and rightfully so. After the blissful journey which preceded it a delicate, calming approach seems to make perfect sense. It's broken beats, indistinct vocals and hypnotic melodies are all wrapped up in a textural haze of wildlife motifs, which end the album on a heartfelt note. A beautiful collection of music from Gibbon who you're no doubt going to be hearing a lot about in the near future.
Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo | microCastle)
Picture by Christopher Michel
Mastered by Cid Inc.
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