by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Air Texture’s new Place series is a brilliant initiative, the label describing it as “a location specific electronic music compilation series where all proceeds are donated to local groups working on important causes in that area such as environment, human rights, conflict aid, and support. The goal is to build a global network of music producers bringing important issues to the electronic music community and world at large.”

It certainly looks like being a source of interesting and vibrant electronic music, judging by the ten destinations the series has already visited. The eleventh falls under the wing, of Ciel, born in China but based in Canada. She is a highly respected producer, DJ and head of the Parallel Minds label – as well as a campaigner for equality and social justice in electronic music.

What’s the music like?

Inventive and intriguing. With a wide range of beat-driven inventions, Ciel has picked 23 complementary productions.

The highlights include Ninechecker’s Frequency Jumping, a really good broken beat track, while Siviyex’s Decals Of Vedici is an effective combination of glitchy beats and woozy vocal snippets. Meanwhile Chambly, by MIASALAV, could almost be a good Lo Fidelity Allstars offcut. Ana Luisa & Geezr’s Bahracas puts its foot down, while the riff for Moon King’s Reverse Imaging hovers beautifully, its elements reminiscent of early Warp records.

Meanwhile Cosmic JD’s Hi Sensei and Yohei S’s Skatter bubble with invention over an upright beat, with the percussive approach taken further by Ficilio’s Alba, a really effective piece of fast-slow dub. Emissive packs a good deal of ambient energy into No Envo, which casts a lingering glance back at the 1990s, before heavier beats kick in with Generator’s Freaky 2nite.

Does it all work?

Much of it does – though be aware that the customary immersive ambience you might anticipate from an Air Texture compilation is not to be found in the energetic beats and lively percussion on offer here!

Is it recommended?

It is, in spite of the above. Quite apart from being a good cause, the compilation is a great source of discovery and packed with good things.

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,586 – Saturday 5 July 2025