REVIEW: AI Records - When I Was Ten

7.5 out of 10

Find it here.

Earlier this year one of my favorite electronic labels (as well as many others this year) celebrated it's 10th anniversary. The label, AI Records, is home to Sinner DC, Claro Intelecto, Michael Manning, Jacen Solo, Yellotone, and many more. The kind of sounds you will hear from AI could easily be classified as "electronic", but more than just a simple beat, danceable bleeps/bloops, and robotic goodness, AI is smart, ultramodern, lustrous, and hopefully the future of independent labels.

"When I Was Ten" is a double LP compilation featuring rare/unreleased tracks from the current AI line up. On top of some galactic automated dins you get some amazing packaging design as well. From AI: "each cover design is based around the artist's response to the question - “What did you want to be when you were ten”? Each of these responses have then been designed/interpreted by ten different artists and designers. Then lovingly hand screen printed onto each of the sleeves sides. There are a total of 5 versions of this double pack LP, each with a different selection of four images from the 10 specially commissioned designs. Each order will receive one set of these versions at random." The music on this beautifully packaged compilation cascades smoothly from beginning to end, which can be hard to do sometimes when putting a compilation together. However, at no point did I not feel like I was on a transcendental journey to a subsequent time unknown to man. Tracks like "Crawling Greens" by Datassette set the standard as to what future dance music could/should sound like, with it's clanking drum fx, and deep bass/kick sounds it's hard not to bob your head. Most of the music chosen for this compilation almost feels/sounds like an homage to early trance (not the cheesy kind) club music with an icy cold shell/IDM edge ("Forte" by Najem Sworb could certainly raise the stocks for glow sticks). You could also compare the compilation to Spectral, minimal sounds that are acute sounding as well as psychedelic and quivering. No matter what you compare it to make sure to check it out next time you are in the mood for a pleasant electronic album.

If you like "forward thinking" electronic music or heating up the dance floor check into AI now. Recommended.

Standout Tracks: My Fantasy, Crawling Greens (my favorite track), Departure, FGB, EOC Remix, Still Slumber, Glass Alley (Lagardere Remix)