Selling is the new band formed by dance music pioneer Gold Panda and Jas from electro rockers Simian Mobile Disco, and as you’d expect it’s packed to the rafters with all manner of techno wizardry and huge beats. I’m not a massive techno or dance music aficionado, I just like certain albums or songs, yet often I find it’s the subtle and unknown stuff that can creep up and surprise you the most. What’s so enjoyable about ‘On Reflection’ is the fact that it’s so understated and relaxing! It’s not ambient, it’s not full of dancefloor bangers, it’s just happy to stomp along at its own pace. ‘Qprism’ has fluttering synths before shape-shifting into a more beat laden tune whereas ‘No Reflection’ has delicate synth sounds, sounding like gentle rain on a roof, before some hi-hats join in and the pace picks up. ‘Mirror Can Only Lie’ has cheeky little synth riffs poling their heads above subtle techno beats which propel the track along, and the excellently titled ‘Phonecall From The Future’ has little synth notes bouncing around with phased waves of electronica sweeping in and out. They manage to create subtle soundscapes within each tune evidenced on the gorgeous ‘Moon In Water’ which has glimmering keyboard riffs which sound like the soundtrack to exploring a strange alien planet. Selling do the kind of minimalist techno which has enough interesting twists to keep you listening without overdoing it on the repetition. It’s also good as a soundtrack for the gym or a jog if you’re that way inclined for the New Year! An album of subtle electronic elegance.
Selling: On Reflection – Out Now (City Slang)
From the early days of creating handmade zines, in a DIY paper and glue style, interviewing bands around town, then pestering Piccadilly Records to sell them, to writing for various independent mags such as Chimp and Ablaze, writing about the music I love is still a great passion. After testing the music industry waters in London with stints at various labels, being back in my hometown again, writing about this city’s vibrant music scene is as exciting as ever. All time favourite bands include Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, Patti Smith although anything from electro to folk via blues and pysch rock will also do nicely too. A great album, is simply a great album, regardless of whatever musical cage you put it in.
