(Silent Recordings)

If you picture Morcheeba, Stereolab and St. Etienne after a big night on the valium you’ll probably be getting close to the sort of sounds I’ve been listening to for the past few weeks. But I shouldn’t get too far ahead of myself…

I’ve always wanted to hear more from Telemetry Orchestra, but for some reason I’ve never picked up one of their albums. Nevertheless everything I’ve heard has been delicious – ‘Swingers International’ on Tim Ritchie’s wicked ‘Sound Quality’ springs to mind as does ‘Under the Knife’ which appeared on dumpHuck’s ‘Beat & Squelch’ collection.

The territory that Telemetry inhabit has become pretty crowded lately with plenty of indie kids stepping up with indietronic faves and mellow pop. But despite the fact that this genre seems a little played out at the moment, it’s pretty near tailor-made for their sound and they’re no new kids to it. They have a unique ability to make music that ranges from the mellow soulful pop of people like Morcheeba and St. Etienne right across to crunchy electronics closer to Funkstorung territory, and yet they wash the whole package with a warmth and glow that is all their own.

The aforementioned ‘Under the Knife’ makes an appearance on this album and with any justice will get some serious Triple J airplay. ‘Cocoon’ is one I really savour- beautiful warm Chapterhouse/Seefeel ambience touched by occasional ethereal vocals. There’s no way this is going to prepare you to head out to the club – it’s deliciously lush Sunday afternoon stuff that is going to please indie kids, valium heads and coming down ravers in equal parts.