Vir Unis & Saul Stokes Thermal Transfer

Both collectively and individually, Vir Unis and Saul Stokes have blurred the lines between active sequencer-based electronics and atmospheric ambient music. Here, Saul's technical wizardry melds with Vir's love of active rhythmic loops, forming a sonic symbiosis that works at every level. The aptly named 'Kinetic Center' is all about energy, full of layered electronics and a light, rapid beat that keeps the pace and the interest level high. Each piece flows into the next, but they are quite distinct. 'Stroboscopic' has a bubbly stuttering beat and wailing synth echoes that play like distant guitars.

As is Saul's trademark on his solo works, the sounds are unusually crisp and sharp. His style blends so well with Vir's that picking out who does what is virtually impossible. I'd be inclined to say the rhythmic loops are Vir's, sounding somewhat like his work on 'Blood Machine' and 'Perimeter,' but then Stokes has done similar things on most of his albums, too. Regardless of who does what, it sounds very good. Though very busy and active throughout, it has a hypnotic relaxing effect as well. 'Replicants in Orbit' wins my vote for favourite song title, although it actually sounds a bit more tribal than sci-fi. The juxtaposition of active and atmospheric elements seems like it shouldn't go, but it definitely does.