As we always do at the end of a year, we take the chance to thank you, our readers, for your continuous support and we also have a look at what you enjoyed the most on hipodrome. This is a summary of the top 3 albums, compilations and recordings that you liked the most this year.
Continue reading “2023 Top 3 – Readers List”
Known previously for his contributions of deep and hypnotic techno, Toki Fuko presents on Astral Industries a further development of his sound in this long-form work. A two-part sojourn into vibrant organic soundscapes and liminal sonic archaeologies, ”Spirit Medicine” is an ethereal yet human-centric venture into the realms of consciousness. Soft chimes mark the opening, making way for expansive pads and the emergence of a bristling jungle panorama. Solitary flute melodies call out to the valley, riding over a bed of drones and earthy rhythms. Later juxtaposed with broadcasted voice samples, the natural fabric ruptures with exposed layers spilling through, only to fade back into the ether. Perhaps a memory, or the momentary glimpse of a parallel reality. Part Two adopts an equally atmospheric flavour, substituting fauna and flora for deconstructed, psycho-somatic mysteria. Overall darker in tone, broken beats combine with avant garde adornments, underpinned by a subtle existential narrative. Wading through a wilderness of eerie remembrances, their starkness is counterbalanced with a peaceful return – a form of clarity and reconciliation that the listener is offered in the final act.
With Narration, Toki Fuko returns to Affin after a long break. The EP contains 4 stylistically diverse tracks (some of them overlong), which are captivating in their perfection and document the musical versatility of the musician, who skilfully moves between dubby, hypnotic, in-depth techno here.
An ambient compilation opening Affin’s 10th year anniversary. Find some hidden ambient pearls from Markus Guentner, Joachim Spieth, Gustavo Lamas, Zann, Toki Fuko and Ismael Pinkler.
The Hipodrome Of Music 