S U R V I V E's debut album back on vinyl! With the popularity of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things (whose soundtrack was composed by S U R V I V E band members Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein), this reissue could not have come at a better time. Originally released in 2012 on Berlin's Mannequin label, the eponymous debut from the Austin-based electronic quartet chronicles the early days of the group circa 2010-2012 as they were developing and realizing their sonic vision. Fans of the Stranger Things soundtrack will have plenty to dig into here as the group goes from atmospheric ambient synth pieces ("To Light I Alone I Bow," "Scalar Wave," etc.) to driving retro-future electronic beats ("Hourglass," Floating Cube," "Black Mollies," etc). It's evident that even at the beginning, the group's sound design and composition is top notch. 9 tracks in all. Recommended.

• limited edition reissue
• music label: HoloDeck 2016

reviewed by Duff Dude 11/2016