Hailing from Estonia, Taavi Laatsit presents his first
album as Galaktlan. Sinine Platoo is a brilliant
collection of hypnotic grooves, atmospheric structures
and warm melodies typical of the Nordic electronic scene.
“To get a deeper understanding of Galaktlan's
music, one has to know what the winter is like in Nordic
countries” claims the press release. Sinine
Platoo, which translates as Blue Plateau,
surely is a typical piece of sub-arctic electronica,
sometimes reminiscent of early Biosphere.
Ambient cool waves, arid beat patterns, floating melodies
and found sounds are all characteristics of the ever
growing Nordic electronic scene, and this album is no
exception.
Galaktlan is the project of Estonian musician Taavi
Laatsit. Currently based in Tallinn, Laatsit originally
comes from the university town of Tartu, situated in
the South East of this small former Soviet republic,
stuck between Latvia in the South, Russia in the East
and the Gulf of Finland in the North. Laatsit studied
French horn before switching to electronic music in
the early nineties, finally releasing his first full
length as Uni, a collaboration with label mate Hendrik
Luuk, as well as a compilation of EPs recorded under
his Vonsouck incarnation, in 1999. After moving to the
Estonian capital, he started work on his latest project,
Galaktlan. Recorded at Dubplates studio, where the Basic
Channel/Chain Reaction sound originated, Sinine
Platoo is an intriguing collection of warm analogue
electronic music. Entirely instrumental, the ten tracks
gathered here emphasise on pure melodic lines and beautiful
calm atmosphere, all developing from a common sonic
ground. Seeking inspiration in Soviet sci-fi movies,
Laatsit organises his compositions to reflect his environment,
by applying soothing pressures of warmth in otherwise
dry landscapes. Sometimes seeking refuge in the effervescent
electronic movement of the early nineties, Sinine
Platoo presents a fine actualisation of the hypnotic
grooves and aquatic ambiences pioneered by the likes
of Black Dog and
B12. The clever assemblage of delicate organic structures
ranges from the dark beats and monomorphic drones of
the title track and the twitchy electro of Mina
Kaheks to the peaceful Klavestra and Tekitaja
or the exhilarating 40,000 Lampi, highlighting
Laatsit’s great versatility as a musician, while
remaining extremely constant all the way through.
Estonia is emerging as one of the most interesting new
grounds for electronic musicians, with Kohvirecords
leading the way. With this first Galaktlan album, Taavi
Laatsit seems determined to make a lasting impression,
challenging the more established artists on their own
ground.
4.5/5 |
