Leafcutter John

[Mike Paradinas <mu-ziq.planet.mu@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Have any of you heard Leafcutter John? This is a review from Grooves

LEAFCUTTER JOHN
Microcontact
Planet Mu (UK)

?Microcontact? is John Burton?s (aka Leafcutter John) second release for the
Planet Mu and follows his ?Concourse EP? from last year.

With this album, Burton?s sound has noticeably progressed.  Each track
is now
increasingly abstract yet carefully and deliberately constructed.  None
of the
tracks set out to be linear or repetitive, shifting all the time in an abstract
but not overly complex manner.  Simple music box melodies are combined
with all
manner of subtly utilised samples and glitchy metallic beats.  As with the
?Concourse EP?, each track on ?Microcontact? is a subset of elements
that shift
and evolve within themselves to form a whole.  This album moves away
from the
glitchy ambience of the ?Concourse EP? and sways more toward the
territory of
Fennesz and Pimmon.  ?Microcontact? holds the attention, drawing you in and
absorbing you into it.  Ten tracks over 61 minutes with not even a track title
to distract you from the listening experience.  This is music to get
lost in.
Quite brilliant.

An excellent album that should be explored further.  A fine start to the
year by
Planet Mu and an album that sees Leafcutter John added to my list of essential
purchases for the future.  I would be surprised if this doesn?t make several
people?s end of year lists.  Very highly recommended.