Massive full length from DJ Koze! Amygdala has been garnering rave reviews all over the place, from the most fickle of electronic music sites to the local paper your mom reads. It's definitely going to be topping at least a few best of lists once the end of the year rolls around. Once you have a chance to listen to the tracks you'll know exactly why. Koze has been in the game for nearly 15 years and wherever he's gone he's brought along a sense of warm psychedelia. Whether it's the hip hop of his early days or his minimal techno heyday that element has always been present. The album is being presented as the German producer's own Sgt. Peppers and while that may be an inflated comparison it's a rather fitting one. While Sgt. Peppers aimed to rebuild rock, Amygdala takes a similar approach to techno, proving that the genre can be fully captivating from end to end. Granted, the majority of the songs feature a softer edge to them than any floor filling techno banger. Koze's creative use of vocalists like Caribou and Matthew Dear add a depth of personality that can be missing from many electronic albums. There's a certain amount of mature restrain present as well. With its subtle take on techno Amygdala is sure to please. Limited edition 2LP pressing, includes 7" with bonus tracks "NooOoo" and "Auroville."

• black double vinyl pressing
• includes bonus 7-inch w/ 2 additional tracks
• housed in gatefold sleeve
• digital download included
• music label: Pampa Records 2013

reviewed by Hank Ohs 05/2013