Barker - Utility

Yes, this album is special.

I realize why I love Barker now.

He is channeling mid-90s Sun Electric ambient-trance vibes.

Listen 2: Mind spinning 

AOTY

  On 9/5/2019 at 5:45 PM, species8472 said:

AOTY

Potentially ex-aequo with Rrose’s upcoming LP. Rian Treanor’s Ataxia is also a strong contender.

But yeah, might totally end my AOTY as well. Can’t wait to get my vinyle and flacs.

to play devils advocate.. i think this is good but not amazing.. every song has a similar palette (wow check out my modular synth).  dont doubt that id love to hear it on a club soundsystem, but for home listening i dont think it could hold my attention

Title track is special! 

If any of you haven’t yet downloaded his FACT mix, do it now.

Loving the LP really, I'm delighted. It has a unique sense of combined restraint and euphoria, sheer lushness.

Potentially a future classic and certainly personal favorite. Just wish "Wireheading" was longer

just bought the digital ! 

How good is “Diehards...”?

Could do we h a whole ‘nother album in that style.

will check this out

I take notice when species8472 and Extralife are both on the same thread giving praise : )

Lush album from front to back. Pretty sure this will end up in my top 3 albums of 2019. 

lol

Gorgeous as expected

I like it on my home system

  On 9/8/2019 at 12:10 PM, xxx said:

Oh me brothers, I got in the cups tonight and while this album was cumlush sober, it just really started fuckin' hittin' after some cheap Cabernet. On "Paradise Engineering", I was so satisfied floating between B minor and A major--very Bochum Welt. Those other staccato counterpoint bits flying into those pads is like pretzel sticks in molten chocolate.

As if that wasn't enough, he hits that....fuck, I dunno, a diminished F sharp minor? It just sends opiate waves up my back for some reason. Here, I hope I don't regret this or get copyright struck:

 

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Amazing, ty. This cements this album's position as a future classic, imho.

Really, really, really digging what I've heard so far (only about 1/3rd in). Was listening on my good headphones when I started and immediately thought, fuck why don't I always listen on these, things sound so much more detailed and lush. In bed now with a cheap pair and it definitely wasn't the headphones doing the work. 

I disagree with the boring sentiment, this is like a warm audio bath you just lie down in and watch the sea creatures float by while the undergrowth gently tickles your sides. At the same time you're also walking home through an industrial area late in a crisp spring morning after partying all night, feeling slightly euphoric at the promise of a new day and slightly weirded out by what's supposed to be daily life.    

First listen is okay, need to get into it more

The fact mix from August is rather lush.  I need to get on this, but I'm trying to restrict my music budget.  Got the £70 Underworld Drift boxed set coming next month.....

It's a decent album, but some insolent part of me is still pining for Utility 2: The Basslines and Utility 3: The Kickdrums. 

Btw., does anyone else get a distant "Alberto Balsa(l)m" vibe from the last track?

Hmmm it's a nice album but it has nothing really interesting going on..... Maybe it's a grower

EDIT: It just clicked with me

^ lol

Loving this album

  On 9/12/2019 at 2:26 PM, IDEM said:

Btw., does anyone else get a distant "Alberto Balsa(l)m" vibe from the last track?

Yeah i hear it.  its a great album closer, once you get in the groove it doesnt feel like 9m long.  I do feel like some of the songs on this album just fade out or end like he didnt know how to end it.  But that one feels 'complete'.

Since no one has brought it up.. how horrible is that album cover.. i immediately think of those douchey ed hardy shirts whenever i see it

this record is amazing

  On 9/12/2019 at 6:51 PM, markedone said:

Yeah i hear it.  its a great album closer, once you get in the groove it doesnt feel like 9m long.  I do feel like some of the songs on this album just fade out or end like he didnt know how to end it.  But that one feels 'complete'.

Since no one has brought it up.. how horrible is that album cover.. i immediately think of those douchey ed hardy shirts whenever i see it

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I guess this cover and the one from his previous ep are inspired by Japanese paintings ?

This is so good it hurts when the album is over