Skee Mask - Pool

Ilian Tape

Munich's very own Skee Mask produces his longest release to date. 'Pool' sits, or more succinctly hovers, at over 100 minutes in length, but don't allow the length to put you off. It is an undertaking, but worth pretty much every minute.

'Pool' surpasses expectations and follows up 2018's 'Compro' to great effect. Not every day does a project come along and re-instill a sense of wonder surrounding a record. Building on the spacious sensibilities in Skee Mask's repertoire Pool effectively covers all aspects of the electronic spectrum - Drum & Bass, Ambient, Breakbeat, IDM. You name it, it's here. The depth to which this album dives is nothing short of exceptional.

Pool is affluent in electronic affliction and exudes atmospheric flare fluid in never-ending, perennial flow. Oozing with essence and decorated in delicate shade Skee Mask simultaneously creates music for the head, and also for the soul. Quite a lot of electronic music falls short of supplying enough food for thought as it does food for physical. Skee Mask stands on the precipice of greatness eager to join the obvious influences of Orbital, Boards of Canada and, of course, Aphex Twin.

A record that covers as much ground as Pool would usually fall into consistencies trap. Avoiding such potholes is a sign that the young Munich maestro has a hand in playing the long-term game. Skee Mask manages to create one of the years finest records in insurmountable fashion. You won't find another record as synthetically serene as this.

Favourite Track: Nvivo, Collapse Casual