Aether - Solace (2014)

It’s been nearly six years since we last heard from Boston, Mass.-based Aether, not counting a label compilation here and there. And the dreamy beat producer is back with Solace, a 21-beat manifesto that takes its name seriously. While his debut, Artifacts, had a slightly more boom bap feel, with dusty samples and a more percussive groove, Solace is a warm cup of soup on a cloudy day. There’s nothing here to shake you out of your slumber, but that’s not to imply it will put you to sleep. This is atmospheric stuff, more in line with Teebs or Mecca:83 than it is with Flying Lotus or even Shlohmo The man also known as Diego Chavez relies heavily on piano samples, creating a simultaneously retro and contemporary vibe. These beats are swathed in gauzy shades before being allowed into the nighttime sky. Highlight songs include the titular, opening track, the hazed beauty of “Chasing Light,” the forlorn majesty of “Eli,” and the late night malleability of “Culture Lust.” As his name suggests, Aether plays hard in the spaces in-between realms, a place where the breath of the gods gives function to the wonders of man. While any track on “Solace” is perfect for an after-after-hour mix, I recommend pushing play and letting the whole thing run its course to get the full picture that Chavez is painting. This is Bob Rossi for your ear holes and that’s a grand panorama.

Tracklist:

01. Solace
02. Tomorrow’s Thief
03. Untruth
04. Homage
05. Close
06. Vasa
07. Epoch
08. Vicious Circle
09. Memories
10. Pause
11. Intimate Stranger
12. Chasing Light
13. Still Life Portrait
14. Culture Lust
15. Shadow Puppet
16. Ascent
17. Echo
18. Long Lost
19. Bora
20. Last Breath
21. Untouched