Various: Station

Ai Records, 2004

Hot on the heals of an excellent 12″ by Claro Intelecto, Ai Records releases an LP/CD compilation of exclusive tracks from their roster. Right off the bat, it’s obvious this one’s a keeper, with Sofalofa’s “Block N Oar” providing striking electronic resonance. Other stand-out tracks are Sinner DC’s brooding electro-ambient “Alice,” with dramatic drawn-out analogue synth chords and a whispery voice, Yellotone’s bold electronic pop songs “Dubbly More” and “Brenuer,” and Subside’s deep, dark “Home to an Empty House.” Ai’s been a label to watch since its inception, inspiring comparisons to early Warp and Skam. How long can they remain so consistently good?