8/10

Since releasing his breathtaking debut album 'Elaenia' back in 2015, producer Sam Shepherd aka Floating Points has been embarking on a new method of recording his music. Since starting out as a humbled solo producer, the frontman has been experimenting with live instrumentation in the last few years. Releasing the stunning EP 'Kuiper' and creating the sixteen-piece group known simply as Floating Points Ensemble in the last 12 months, here we are again with his latest release 'Reflections - Mojave Desert', a record that looks to bridge the gap between his old and new intentions.

This is obviously a completely different direction to the one we heard on 'Elaenia'. The electronic elements of his sound have been nearly all but stripped away, leaving an accomplished live band in its place. Yet while the music still has that strangely exciting ethereal vibe to it, hearing a wailing guitar on tracks like 'Silurian Blue' does create an unusual juxtaposition of intention. In effect, we are seeing the producer discover new avenues within his own musical disposition, by experiencing his evolution in sonic sounds throughout every track.

And just like everything we have heard from him to date, each single has been masterfully crafted in order to create a sensual ebb and flow of emotions. Floating Points has never felt like he has ever rushed his work and 'Reflections - Mojave Desert' is no different. He lets his music breathe as long as it needs to, resulting in yet another inspired release.