The stewardship of Chris Coco and Jim Breese – fully qualified strategists in atmospheric massage – gives 'Balearic' an extra edge over what is sure to be burgeoning competition when the chillout/post-clubbing cycle returns for the summer. When packing your holiday essentials, don't forget these relatively upfront aural tranquillisers painting picture postcard scenery.
'Balearic' is a picnic basket full of stock items – the rolling in of gentle waves with snapshots of local wildlife, Mediterranean/flamenco acoustics, warmth of synths related to meditation and blurring of colours, and a pace and weight that never puts pressure on you to do anything more than recline and reach for your next cocktail. On top, there's added yacht-rock – Cantoma's 'Alive' kicks off its espadrilles – and lite-house from Nagayama & Terada, whose 'Low Tension' shows that 20 plus years in the sun hasn't harmed its appearance or rarity value, turning the compilation's claim of exploring the modern-day Balearic sound in on itself.
Its unspoken alchemy focusing on pleasurable isolation (curiously it doesn't come across as being pro-holiday romance), contains a corresponding sterility ripe for hotel lobbies, waiting rooms and other incidental areas. In a genre not known for new skoolisms or non-conformity, it's an easy release to listen to and understand, mainly because the remit is so direct/limited. 'Balearic' is as immersive and incidental as you want it to be – it can whisk you away to more idyllic climes, or just keep you company when a room or occasions seems empty, which isn't exactly a championing of the compilation's merits.
It should do well on title alone with its Ronseal plan of attack. Not a listen for the commuter.
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6/10
Words: Matt Oliver
