L ö W - HHH

It is quite hard to describe exactly what makes a good IDM album considering the music itself is hard to talk about yet so easy to fall for. Perhaps it is the artistic use of cyber sounds that create a vision of a future - much like in Ghost In The Shell - that allows me to fall so easily into it. Then again, that mythology might not cut it for everyone; it could also just be the fact that the simple beats and un-jarring aesthetic of IDM allows some to relax while still getting their dose of electronics for the day. In the case of L ö W, I think the aspect of their band that allures an audience is credited to their approach to ambient music. 

At their very core, L ö W is an ambient project. The core of their project, the relaxing and calming melodies, and the sweeping atmospheric tension that blows like leaves in the winds all prove my statement. However, with light and gentle electronic IDM fiddling, L ö W is able to construct an album that appeals not only to the ambient crowd, but to electronic junkies looking for a bit of a powerful burst. Their most recent album HHH is a testimony to that. 

Whether it is the jazzy dance rhythm found in 'Ilm', or the piano keys struck in 'Fort Uno', L ö W is able to cover a lot of ground without really seeming like they tried too hard. HHH is a thirteen track album that is varied enough to keep your interest, but is also a silent play that will bring down your defenses and stress. I remember coming home to review this on a tired day. As I found myself loving the electronic essence that poured out of this song, I also found myself nodding off. At first, I figured it was just because of the tough day, so I put away my laptop and decided to come back to it at a later time. However, when I came back to it the next day all lively and what not, I found myself relaxed by these beats and rhythms once more. I didn't fall into the dream realm, but this proved to me that I had found a relaxer through music. 

Anyway, now that story time is over, I'd like to highlight two of my favorite tracks on the album. I would like to give credit to the first song, 'Proctor Revolt'. It is not necessary great in any one field or the other, but the track manages to capture the listener right away. 'Delta Pavonis' is another keeper. The song manages to keep a somewhat futuristic vibe to it - like a pulse to a cyberpunk city - and yet still manages to maintain a careless, free flowing feeling.

Anyway, I've said enough. If by now you aren't convinced to get this record, you either don't like IDM or I'm a horrible writer. I'd like to think it's the first. Go listen to this.  
Mar 13 2016