Now Is

 

Ryan Lee West is a British music producer and DJ. He performs under the pseudonym Rival Consoles and produces electronic ambient music with the help of mainly analog devices. Four years ago he released Persona one of the best ambient albums in this year. Now he returned after a couple of releases with Now Is a new full album. I just listened to the title track and a few other ambient songs and I think he is still one that you should have a listen to. Pulsating beats that drive constantly forward and still create a quiet and relaxed atmosphere I could not hear this year in this quality. If only this song will stand the test of time - this one could be an exception

Echoes

 

Back after a few days of relaxing with a couple of friends on a camping ground closer to my home. It was great fun doing nothing than having a good time with good conversations and leaving all the worries and what drags you down behind. Rival Consoles is the stage name of London based producer Ryan Lee West that gave us four years ago Persona an album that was played at my home very often when it was released. Flickering synthesizer sounds are the trademark and something between ambient and balearic where you can drift away. This song seems to be the first release of his new album that will be released during this year.

Monday's Long Song - AMOR

It was back in January when I came home from holiday and the first album that captivated me was the first full length record by AMOR. I knew this Glasgow based from a few 12-inches they released during the last month and I was very excited if they could hold their high level over a full album. And yes - they can. The album is full of ideas and sounds from house over tribal rhythms to synthy chords. It is still a pleasure to come back to this album and probably it will be played as often as Rival Consoles last year at my home.

This Year's Records 11/18

Drew introduced me to one of the best electronic albums earlier this year. Rival Consoles was a new name to me until I got this record. Persona is a remarkable mixture of various sounds that were often played at my home. The Line Of Best Fit wrote the words I can agree to:

The strengths of Rival Consoles' sound is it's depth. A production process that combines analogue-­heavy synthesisers, acoustic and electronic instruments, the sounds of Persona are rich, delicate, and heavy when they need to be. 

Hearing all the different shapes Ryan can give his distinct sound is what's most fascinating about Persona, and has kept me coming back for more. It's a masterclass in modern electronic soundcraft that unveils new surprises at each listen. And each listen helps to start piece together the overall shape of the album, something which remains a little shrouded throughout. But its length, and depth, is also Persona's strength. An album to get lost in and to discover bits of wonder along the way.

Rival Consoles - Persona

Rival Consoles - Phantom Grip

Rival Consoles -