7/10

As far as fantastic collaborations on paper go, the teaming up of Simian Mobile Disco's Jas Shaw and Gold Panda has definitely become one of the top five for the year so far. In both of their individual capacities, the pair have been responsible for some of the most captivating and groundbreaking techno music for the last decade, leading to scores of fans and accolades around the world. And now the duo have shared their surprise-released debut album 'On Reflection', a collection of new works that sees the pair work towards a more humbling and ethereal side to the genre.

From the start, 'On Reflection' comes across as its own unique identity, separate from the pair's formative outlets. With less emphasis on the club-ready vibes they are known for and more focus towards ambient yet engaging compositions, Selling seems to act as a release for the duo's own fringe tastes within the techno spectrum. With its minimal yet well-produced direction, coupled with a driven and direct style, this new full-length looks to see them as more akin to the likes of Jon Hopkins or Daniel Avery, mixing a diverse array of ideas and concept into one succinct and cohesive record.

Definitely built more for the home raver than any full-on nightclub experience, 'On Reflection' manages to tap into that style of electronic music that is more about drawing you in than letting it simply wash over you. Keeping the percussion light, their forward-thinking approach to their own chosen genre has allowed this new project to add a sense of originality to their usual output and gifted us with a mesmerising and enjoyable release in the process.