The Future Sound Of London – Cascade

Although I didn't appreciate this at the time (I was 14 years old when it was released, although already loved my electronic stuff) it is now one of my favourite musical pieces of all time. I use this, as well as the "My Kingdom" and "Lifeforms" CD singles, to check out new pieces of HiFi equipment I buy. I just bought some new speakers that I'm breaking in and I'm hearing bits of this that I've never heard before. I didn't think it possible that there were more levels to this piece of musical genius, but I was euphorically surprised. 11/10.

15 years on these tracks still astound. Lush yet angular, synthetic yet so organic; the very premise of FSOL seems at odds. FSOL's affinity for wavering chords, sampled voices, and sudden changes in tempo shimmers here: Part 1 slowly develops its groove amidst water droplets and morse code patters, with what sounds like a plucked instrument centering the theme, tablas circling in the background and sampled flute increasing the tension. Part 2 attempts to slow down the tempo while repeating the theme, while Part 3 emerges as totally distinct. The loose sounds floating about in it echo bits of Parts 1-2, but are arranged as brief snatches of their originals. It sounds alien and ambient, as if one is walking on the surface of another planet. Part 4 is the stunning highlight. A much harsher and provocative beat emerges out of soaring synthesizer lines, accompanied by bluesy guitar licks (processed, undoubtedly, to their breaking point). Part 5, like 3, drops much all of the established theme in an attempt to make what seems to be a trance track, with beats that sound like much of their previous efforts. The short-form edit is pretty much a rehash of the previous 4 parts mixed into one over-quickly developing track.

With Cascade, FSOL announced a brand-new way of making their music. While there are dance rhythms embedded in this (and future) album(s), they are secondary to the mindblowing density and attention to detail they develop. The end result of this: further listening reveals new subtleties and joys each time.