Jon Hopkins - Asleep Versions EP
More fascinating folktronica from Jon Hopkins
Generally considered to be a purveyor of dance/electronic music, Asleep Versions takes Jon Hopkins further into the folktronica territory explored on Diamond Mine collaboration with King Creosote. Consisting of reworkings of songs from Hopkins’ last album Immunity and recorded in Reykjavic, this does bear some comparison to Bjork, Amiina, Asgeir, Jonsi’s soundtrack work or Sigur Ros. This may be lazy but it is true. Immunity would fit perfectly on Diamond Mine, unsurprising given the presence of King Creosote. Featuring Blue Hawaii’s Raphaelle Standell and the Braids, Form By Firelight is slow and hypnotic, the perfect soundtrack for contemplating the stars on a cold, clear autumn night. Instrumental Breathe This Air is similar musically. Eleven minute closer Open Eye Signal take things in a more electronic direction, building from a deep drone to a dreamlike euphoria.
Essential for anyone already a fan of Hopkins’ work, this is also available as a limited edition double CD with Immunity. Anyone unfamiliar with Hopkins could do worse than checking this out.
8/10
