Gold Panda’s 2010 debut, ‘Lucky Shiner’, was a huge success –
seemingly out of nowhere – that saw the young London producer touring globally
for the following two years. The result
is a follow up album, cleverly entitled ‘Half Of Where You Live’, that is
clearly inspired by his worldwide travels.
Most obvious is the use of ethnic sounding samples that are
weaved together into intricate, minimalist electronic textures. Opener Junk
City II is influenced by the producer’s interest in Japanese culture with
its combination of pentatonic melodies and industrial effects, whilst Brazil is clearly reflected in the polyrhythmic
samba beats. Elsewhere, the use of
gongs, chimes, oriental strings and vocal samples characterise the overall pan-global
flavour, neatly summed up in the appropriately titled Community.
More subtle is the use of movement that encapsulates the
feeling of travelling. Whilst the tracks
are mostly upbeat and heavily rhythmic, the minimalist structures allow for
slow development over the course of each track.
The music is simultaneously moving at a swift pace and in apparent
slow-motion, as if looking out of the window of a train or plane. And just like visiting a foreign country, it’s
easy to feel lost and overwhelmed by both the tidal wash of sounds and the
minutiae of the production.
This is a far less pop-focussed album than ‘Lucky Shiner’
and its prevalent single You (recently
sampled by Charli XCX). Instead, Gold
Panda takes us on a serene journey. It contains
none of the stress and hardship of being on tour; rather, it replicates the
feeling of calmly floating across an azure sea, or gliding under a cloudless
sky. ‘Half Of Where You Live’ does,
however, stray a little too far into this Zen territory. Whilst the tracks certainly have their
charms, there’s a distinct lack of memorable melodic phrases and the variety of
instruments cannot hide the absence of harmonic progression. As such, the album is in danger of fading
into the background.
Yet what it lacks in immediacy, it makes up for in overall mood. For anyone after a tranquil break from the hustle
and bustle of daily life, this is your album.
3/5
Gizzle’s Choice:
* An English House
* Brazil
* Community
Listen: 'Half Of Where You Live' is available now.
