EDGE OF SPACE (2LP/BLUE & PURPLE VINYL) | VINYL RECORD (LP)

Aural Imbalance, Returning for another highly-anticipated album for Spatial, label stalwart Aural Imbalance breathes new life to a genre often starved of truly wide-ranging ambience blended with breakbeats that can move a dancefloor, elevating and surpassing expectations once again across a varied, cohesive selection of tracks. A1 - Dream Assembly Opening the LP we see Aural Imbalance showcase that inimitable world-building through swirling ambient soundscapes in full effect, a luscious intro welcoming sharp, snappy breakbeats, edited sublimely, collecting visceral cyberpunk debris on their long journey home. Subtle 808 basslines lay sleepily beneath as the composition forms a memorably soothing vibe that captures the mind. A2 - Comet Cycle Low filtered beats adorn an intro warning of energy to follow, forming a distinctive tone that is quickly elevated by surprisingly energetic and impeccably tuned breaks. Presently joined by inquisitive smatterings of ethereal effects, the track develops a curious and tuneful identity with harmonizing melodies crafted across a varied mix, building and retaining a rousing, suspenseful vibe, leaving the listener in no doubt as to the ever-evolving skill set of Aural Imbalance. B1 - Neptune Setting the pace immediately with classy, imposing breakbeats, 'Neptune' sees Aural Imbalance showcasing a wonderful ethos of dancefloor-friendly atmospherics with finely crafted edits toyed with at will for the listener with the breaks being the undoubted star of the show from an ambient legend. Subdued melodies and wide-ranging synthwork dances back and forth complementing the mix, all with a bouncy 808 bassline rumbling below. B2 - Stasis Changing the pace somewhat, next up we are treated to 'Stasis', a track which again opens with breaks, this time slightly more reserved with a thudding, analogue tone. Calming atmospherics crafted from delicious synthwork and reverberating melodies join forces with wisping pads that fly gently around the soundscape, with plinky rhapsodies delicately adding texture to a truly wonderful collage of sound. C1 - Warpcore Deceptively airy with incredibly light bongos and synths, the introduction to 'Warpcore' entices the listener perfectly, smoothly introducing filtered breaks which suddenly reveal superbly programmed, distinctive amens that thrash around the mix with vigor. Clicky hats, striking cymbals and layers of tuneful effects deliver immense detail you can listen to over and over, hearing new elements each time. C2 - Into The Void Continuing the breaks-driven approach to the LP, 'Into the Void' sees Aural Imbalance lay down a sublime selection of crisp, earthy old school breakbeats, edited to perfection with an immensely danceable beat pattern with delicate cowbell-style hi hats. Energizing, vibrantly inspiring pads inject a warm sparkle to the mix, while a consistent, luscious classic 808 bassline playfully judders along below. D1 - Thermal Isolation Opening with an ever so slightly nervous tone, a plethora of layered ambient sounds create caution and intrigue, as the intro to 'Thermal Isolation' draws you in before a wonderful arrangement of messy breaks built with a delicious exuberance Aural Imbalance is clearly enjoying as his Spatial repertoire grows ever more impressive. Radiant effects are liberally flecked across the flourishing track in the latter half, adding grand texture and depth. D2 - Forever Closing the LP in style, Aural Imbalance delivers a mellow intro to 'Forever', consisting of filtered beats and a simple xylophone-style melody, before the true star of the show - some of the most finely crafted breaks you'll hear - thump their way into the mix and warmly seize our attention. Edited with a bold, effortless brilliance, the classic hats and kicks triumphantly jostle around long vocal samples and subtle ambient synths to round off this beautiful track - and album. Tracklisting: A1. Dream Assembly A2. Comet Cycle B1. Neptune B2. Stasis C1. Warpcore C2. Into The Void D1. Thermal Isolation D2. Forever