Epiphytes by Jet Jaguar
Where ambient and electronic paths cross
The tenth(!) Jet Jaguar album from New Zealand artist Michael Upton. Similar in construction to the textured, Ambient style of music he makes with Shanan Holm as Tonkyn Pearson, stacking layers of samples and field recordings to form a dense sound that envelops the listener, Epiphytes sees Upton again carefully layering sounds but in a more restrained manner (less texture) by bringing instrumentation and percussion into the mix, resulting in a warm, organic vibe that borders electronica. Rhythms abound, sans drum machine, while an unexpected groove on Epiphyte transforms what is essentially gentle instrumental music into something revitalising and charming.