Review of Shining [12k1031]

Time Off (AU)

Japanese quartet Minamo create a delicate sound world on this record, beginning by tuning our ears with well-honed sounds that pulse and click back and forth across the stereo field. Before you realise it, they’re introducing all manner of sonic information to the mix. Small sine waves and shadows of feedback appear and disappear, melodic sections slowly rise in the mix and little rhythmic patterns pop up with an almost childlike sensibility.

At its heart, “Serene”, “Stay Still” and several of the other pieces show this group to be willing to allow their compositions to unfold with an openness and patience. There’s nothing quite like the sound of piano notes slowing ringing out their melodic moods over the pulse of spacious electronics and these four musicians realise this in full spacious beauty. 3.5/5

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