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ALPHARHYTHM: Sentient Beings

This is Sam Cumming's debut release and it's a stormer. Not in a loud arrogant way, but in a The-Gathering-is-forever kind of a way. This Dunedin DJ is already renown for his early morning sets at all the festivals that count - the best background for this kind of sublime minimalism. Supports for overseas artists (Monolake, Dave Mothersole, Hexstatic) and local (Micronism, Pitch Black, Epsilon Blue) notwithstanding, Sam's in good stead with his work. Surviving a computer theft that saw most of his compositions (prior to this album) disappear, some surviving rough mixes and he's on board with these beauties. Some tracks do sound somewhat out of date, but if you're into the spirit of The Gathering (and like-minded festivals), this will resonate very loudly. Unhurried, evocative, phat, vocal-free magic. The only disappointment is with the minimal packaging. There's minimal and there's lost opportunities. How about a nice photo instead of the track listing three times? Watch the clouds, drive through the beauty of Aotearoa, or dance your heart out to this gem. Out on frisbeedogrecords.

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