On the Iglomat website there is a picture of a guitar, amplifier, snakes of cables and an open laptop. This image perfectly sums up the music and philosophy behind Scottish Faustian David Jack, who is the tip of the spear that is Iglomat.
Jack’s previous work has always been compelling, but with Iglomat he appears to have found the perfect crack to apply his musical cement. Like fellow explorers Labradford, Four Tet and early Tortoise, much of the music on this album is instrumental and played live (in person or over the internet, boys?) and then fragmented together via computer.
Musically, there is a wonderful organic cohesion on tracks such as Stormtrooper Of Gentrification, which displays just how compelling grooves and textures can be laid down by the simple three-pronged attack of drums, melodic bass and guitar. Dial Wookie is a Joy Division that learned to groove, while Toradic Activity is constructed around radio samples warning about a severe storm. The best track – to these big ears – is Augustus Loop, which drifts and shimmers like a hot morning haze and, even though clocking in at less than two minutes, is simply perfect. Silver medal goes to Two By Two - 4/5 Record Collector