Reviews
( Original Sound Version about “Raja” )
“It’s been a long time since we’ve covered anything from the demoscene, but if you’re into dreamy electronic soundscapes, you definitely need to pay attention to this one. Back in 2008 we covered a release from one of our favorite electronic artists, Planet Boelex, who had teamed up with vocalist Lisa’s Antenna for a vibrant 30-minute release titled Little World. It was an amazing release, and most of all, it was available for free.
Well, Planet Boelex is back with Raja, and he’s brought even more friends. We get one track with Lisa’s Antenna which is much moodier than their collaborations on Little World, as well as a track with another of our favorite demoscene artists, Mikael Fyrek (you should really check out his A Thousand Years and One EP if you haven’t already), as well as demoscene legend Mosaik, who we interviewed last year. It’s basically most of my favorite demoscene artists wrapped up into one cohesive release.
The album starts off with Boelex-only track, “Soft Shapes,” which is a warm and enveloping piece using Planet Boelex’s signature belltones, thick electronic bass notes, and gentle string swells. The thing I appreciate most about this track is the mixing, as the percussion in particularl could have completely ruined the track with its harsh hats and wide snares, but they’re mixed in at such a low volume that they really let the soft layers of belltones, pads, and strings take charge.
Next up is the first collaboration track, “Not From Here,” featuring Lisa’s Antenna, and it’s an interesting one. Lisa’s Antenna maintains the pitch of her voice in a very tight range, creating a repetitive and somewhat foreboding sound. Planet Boelex’s background matches perfectly, adding a hint of danger with its descending progression and dissonant pads. This is followed by “Suddenly,” Boelex’s collaboration with Mikael Fyrek. Fyrek’s influence is immediately apparently, as his signature staccato synth leads come in to take the place of Planet Boelex’s belltones, but it isn’t long before the familiar bass and belltones make an appearance. The style of these two really complement one another, and this is probably my favorite track here.
Boelex goes solo one more time with “New Beginning,” a heavier and more “cool” journey into his typical electronic soundscapes. The bass and percussion plod along slowly and actually take center stage against the backing piano and pads, focusing more on a groove. The final track, “Sailor’s Dilemma” works in acoustic guitar and additional loops from Mosaik, although I would admit that Planet Boelex’s ability to craft tasty electronic atmospheres is right up there with Mosaik, so it’s hard to tell who’s who for the most part. Things do shift a bit when Mosaik’s acoustic guitar comes in, and Boelex makes room for it in the mix as it slowly fades in against the sound of waves crashing on the shore and a gentle synth lead that acts as a counter melody to the mesmerizing guitar work. The track ends abruptly, jarring the listener out of the dream-like state that Planet Boelex and his friends have created. An interesting way to end the album, but I would have actually preferred a slow fade out in this case to carry me off to sleep after listening to the tracks here.
Planet Boelex is really a master of his craft, and the fact that he’s able to not only hold his own, but complement each of his skilled and in some cases “legendary” collaborators further demonstrates that he is one of the forefront artists in this scene. As usual, this music is available to you for free, which still astounds me despite the fact that I’ve been followed this scene for over 10 years now. It’s available for download from the Soft Phase Netlabel, and if you’re a fan of electronic music or are looking for something different, I can’t recommend checking it out enough.”
( Morpheus Music about “Little World” )
“Blissful electronic downtempo with dreamy female vocals. This is a delightful album of warm, translucent digital soundscaping carried on glitch touched beats – serene washes and air filled pads form misty veils that enshroud lazy piano and synth melody with an effect that reminds me of sunshine dispersing the dawn chill. The music lingers in low key gentleness, builds into waves of tranquillity, sighs of intensity that breath in tandem with singer Lisa’s wistful voice. It’s a little like Planet Boelex have strung together a suite of the most beautiful interludes – those idle moments from the spaces in between – then built these naturally into complete forms in themselves. The vocals are equally effective – poignant, whispery, breathy – mostly delivered softly, occasionally lifting heaven high – intimate themes that neither dominate the music nor submerge too deep. The rhythm section is among the most serenely euphoric I’ve heard anywhere – uncluttered programmed beats that nudge the music forward, unfurling bass forms masterfully intertwined.”
( Original Sound Version about “Little World” )
“Planet Boelex is one of my favorite electronic artists, and the craziest thing is that he releases his music for free online. Needless to say, he’s one of the reasons I’m not a musician. how can you compete with such a talented artist who isn’t even getting paid to write this amazing stuff?
Anyway, he’s teamed up with vocalist Lisa’s antenna to bring listeners Little World, a majestic, 30-minute journey into layered atmospheres and enchanting vocals. Need a reference? Think Bj�rk, but I have to admit that my bias for Planet Boelex leads me to say this is even better than the international electronic artist I just named. What’s even more, this release is the first from a new netlabel called Soft Phase, so it looks like they’re off to a great start!
Hit the jump for a brief description of the six tracks that you can download for free. “Are You There” starts things off with typical Planet Boelex ambience that’s heavy on bass, standing in contrast to Lisa’s antenna’s high-pitched, otherworldy vocals. The steady pitch of Lisa’s antenna’s voice in both “Angels” and “Fall” combine with rich piano chords to give a contemporary jazz/soul feel. Did I mention the production values here are absolutely amazing? They could be selling this music.
The melancholy of “Walk ahead” comes next, with subdued vocals and a mischievous string/piano backing that lends an almost 007 feel. About half way through the strings explode, and the addition of snappy percussion and a thick bass give the track a sort of cool elegance. “Outlet”, my favorite track on the album, takes on a pop edge with deliberate vocal phrases with lots of pauses, allowing the music to shine through, and have I mentioned I like Planet Boelex’s music? Dreamy yet groovin’, it plods along at a walking pace, allowing listeners to soak up the soundwaves. “Fill me up” ends the album with a lot of reverb, giving the track a spacey, dreamlike feel that eases listeners into silence after the album is over.
So, what are you waiting for? This is some great mood-setting electronic music. Little World is available for free on the Soft Phase netlabel, so head over and check it out. Any fans of Björk out there that would agree with my comparison? Can you believe this stuff is available for free?”
( hiddenplace music blog about “Suunta” )
“In case you dont keep up with the Kahvi netlabel, the newest release is an absolute must-have. Finnish producer Planet Boelex is the master of warmly chilled electronic ambient idm, and each release keeps getting better and better. the usual planet boelex devices are deftly employed here – precisely syncopated percussion, endlessly deep bass, wandering warbling pads, delay-soaked glitchy fx and soaring leads, along with a new element – a track featuring vocals from chillout songwriter Krister Linder.
I don’t think i am exaggerating in saying, this is so far the best netaudio release of 2007. i dont use such superlatives often, but I have listened to this release practically nonstop since it appeared, and it simply keeps getting better and better. An absolute masterpiece of intelligent electronica.”