A Certain Distance by Lusine
LABEL: Ghostly International

A Certain Distance is as much a time machine as it is an album. Go far enough into some overexposed Philip K. Dick inspired cosmopolitan center and turn on the radio. More than likely, this is what you will find. For his most recent full-length, electronic stalwart Jeff McIlwain has gracefully merged three of his signature elements, sound design, melody, and rhythm, into a bold new form altogether. All at once, A Certain Distance enters the aural field as a retrospective work and an entirely new direction for the Seattle-based laptop artist.

Lusine has always excelled at focus, and A Certain Distance is no exception. The strong rhythmic element of his earlier work has been solidly fused with the washy sonic auras of his ICL pieces, then pushed into pop territory for exquisitely sophisticated melodies and instantly alluring human vocals on a few of the tracks. What’s fascinating about the album is that the timbres and voices Lusine uses aren’t outside the familiar for electronic territory, but the method and process by which he employs them creates a composite sound that is altogether individual, peculiarly Lusine.

“The album stands as a landmark piece for Lusine, proof that pop tendencies can go hand-in-hand with creative integrity, and an essential entry-point for new listeners.”

The bass has been turned down and the drum machines sound more varied, opening up the sound of the record and allowing all manners of digital beauty to seep in. The album stands as a landmark piece for Lusine, proof that pop tendencies can go hand-in-hand with creative integrity, and an essential entry-point for new listeners.

What the album lacks, however, seems to be sufficient variation. It’s a consistent offering of charming melodies and reflective environment, never letting the mood drift or the sounds turn harsh. While this makes A Certain Distance lose a potent dynamic range, it also encourages focus and it’s obvious that Lusine is mature enough to be satisfied creating for himself. This sounds like one of the few electronic/pop records meant to be taken in as a whole, a nod to ambient aesthetics.

A Certain Distance is a diverse and strong enough offering to find itself a home with listeners critical about their electronic and pop selections. For anyone else distanced by the nihilism of Aphex Twin or intrigued by the possibilities of a rhythmically infused Fennesz, Lusine might just become your new best friend, and A Certain Distance is the perfect first night out.


REVIEWED BY NEIL LEVENS
NEIL’S FAVORITE TRACKS: “Operation Costs” • “Twilight” • “Gravity”


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