Various Artitsts - Cross Pollination (Varial)

 

Title: Cross Pollination

Artist: Various Artists

Label: Varial

Cat Number: VRL001C

Genre: Techno/Electro, Ambient

1: Ninechecker – C Ten Status

2: Human Concept – Agent X

3: Mat Carter – Mind Expand

4: Derailleur – Antimatter

5: Norris Raider – Sky Dive

6: User Only – The Strain

7: Norris Raider – Arcowaw

8: Karkaavat – Beneath The Waves

9: Ninechecker – Line Out

10: Human Concept – Midnite View

11: Phantom Limb – Visit 1

12: TOHT – Meteor Shower

13: Phantom Limb – Sloth

14: Derailleur - Wolf

The concept behind this collection of artists on Mat Carter’s Varial “is between like minded artists, sharing a love of aesthetics found in video games and science fiction culture.” Now this seems to be the foundation of a lot of the music I listen to nowadays so let’s dive in. Carter is present with ‘Mind Expand’, a brooding, minimal piece of work which could bridge the gap between new beat and cosmic chug, such are its sparing, but effective acidic overtones. ‘Antimatter’ by Derailleur is similar in tone, but lasts a fraction of the time and serves more as an ambient interlude, alongside ‘Visit 1’ by Phantom Limb and ‘Beneath The Waves by Karkaavat. Electro is present in the beats of Norris Raider’s ‘Sky Dive’, both Ninechecker tracks and Derailleur’s ‘Wolf’. While compositions such as ‘Midnite View’, ‘Meteor Shower’ and ‘Sloth’ apply the brakes in order to produce what feels like mood music for when the dust is settling. It’s an intriguing collection, available on cassette for added retro spice, as well as digitally. Worth your while.