Assorted Lights by Sissel Wincent

Following two EPs on Peder Mannerfelt's eponymous label, flourishing producer Sissel Wincent takes her emotive Techno to Rösten, the forward-thinking label run by fellow Swedish artists SHXCXCHCXSH. Over ten tracks, split equally between Illusion of Randomness from 2016 and Inspirational Quotes from 2018, Wincent has developed a sound that started out experimental (with spacious-sounding tracks like Investigation and Stream of Consciousness) before evolving into deeper studies of rhythm, layers of sound and, crucially, melody (check out tracks like Ponytails and Cynical). The four tracks on Assorted Lights show Wincent continuing to push these key concepts further with a pleasantly accessible result.

Even with layers of sounds and textures that flood the senses, opening track Aura Symptoms is like a well-proportioned, finely composed painting. Great use of whitespace coupled with its disjointed rhythm makes it feel fresh and comfortably left-of-centre. Similarly, Flood On Drizzle builds on a two-beat bass line with mournful sounds (like a moaning synthesiser?) before multiple percussion tracks wave in and wash over proceedings. With one eye on the future Milky Seas sees Wincent whisk together melody and a brisk banging beat, at once embracing a new confidence in production while remaining true to her experimental roots. The mish-mash of broken rhythms is carried through to closing track Tungsten, which utilises a sombre tuba sample. Easily her best work yet.

• Rating: 8/10
• Listens: 16
• Highlight: Milky Seas
• Label: Rösten
• Release Date: 22nd February 2019