The Field - Yesterday and Today

An artist pushing the envelope when the audience least expects it can make for some astounding results. Like a techno Ys, Yesterday and Today immediately puts its predecessor in the shade with such abandon, joy and effortless craft that is a delight to contemplate, yet it almost alarms us to wonder how on earth Axel Willner is supposed to follow this up. The elements that made 2007's From Here We Go Sublime so effective surface in a rush of ultra-compressed grooves; the minute, glowing melodies that seem to emanate from each drum pulse excite with every subtle nuance. But in a quest for a more organic concept, Willner adds guitars, vibraphones, and most importantly, John Stanier of Battles, creating a wider band-like template for his electronic compositions. Making like a minimal Hebden & Reid, Willner and Stanier dice Kraut-pop and ambience in an exhilarating hour of music, leaving the listener in a state of awe.