Various - Rhythms Of The Pacific Vol. 2

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  • Pacific Rhythm's first 12-inch from last year felt like a solid bit of muscle-flexing from the Chinatown record store and label. Offering up choice cuts from some of Vancouver's most hyped artists, it was a nice way to establish the project as another player in the city's increasingly busy musical landscape. A year later, shop hands Derek, Russell and Dane have curated another mini-comp, showing off 2015's picks of the litter. It's just as stellar, if not better, and digs deeper into the trippy, relaxed sector of their scene. All of the tracks on Rhythms Of The Pacific Vol. 2 have a drowsy disposition that goes a step beyond the usual lounginess of renowned Vancouver producers like Pender Street Steppers. Florist's "112712" is barely there to begin with. It's a dusty drum track with melodic elements that feel tentative, and the uneasiness lends its shuffle a naive charm, like the samba preset on some old Casio keyboard. D. Tiffany's "Orange Crush (Plush Managements Mix)" presents an underwater world where synths and drums swish with an odd grace. Neo Image balances the lava lamp vibe with some grit on his side of the record. "JR East" pairs pleasantly droning melodies with an abrasive drum machine that hisses over top. All the moving parts make sense once the track hits its stride. "So" stands apart from the rest. It's an exercise in balancing extremes, and is stitched together from light breath samples with the structural integrity of a sculpture made of soap bubbles. When the rhythm section finally drops—big and boomy as ever—it doesn't disturb the overall delicacy, instead elevating it to sound like a heavenly house music hymn.
  • Tracklist
      A1 Neo Image - So A2 Neo Image - JR East B1 Florist - 112712 B2 D. Tiffany - Orange Crush (Plush Managements Mix)
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