Belfast-based label, Touch Sensitive, were electronically eclectic this year. Switching between Group Zero`s Cold-Wave, Barry Lynn`s two Taurus Tapes of beautiful live, Eno / Fripp / Gottsching influenced experiments, and Autumns` accomplished – and punishing – EBM.
Group Zero – Structures And Light
Barry Lynn – Taurus Tapes
Touch Sensitive moved at a relaxed pace, but I couldn’t have been happier with our three releases this year. Both the label and pals enabled some cherished music-related adventures this year too: Playing records at NTS and Brilliant Corners (Thanks Colpey!) – the Lovefingers & Utopia Project loft party the night before was a crazy bonus; a lush seven days at Love International in the summer; Diet Clinic’s debut party (do more!), and Optimo’s 20th birthday celebration in Glasgow. Also, shouts to Belfast Music Club, God’s Waiting Room and Low Profile for their programming and pushing things forward in my home town.
It feels like I’ve still to catch up on a lot of this year’s releases – and there was definitely not enough dancing, unfortunately. Here’s some stuff that stuck with me though…
Three For Dancing
Amor – Paradise
Krikor Kouchian – Zulette
Three For Chilling
Vera Dvale & Psykovarius – Alguse Tolm
Carla dal Forno – The Garden
Jonny Nash – Conversations With Mike
Three Long Players
Davy Kehoe – Short Passing Game
Laurel Halo – Dust
Three Compilations
Miracle Steps: Music From The Fourth World 1983-2017 (Optimo Music)
Mono No Aware (PAN)
Oz Waves (Efficient Space)
Three Reissues
Zazou / Bikaye / CY1 – Noir et Blanc
Pep Llopis – Poiemusia La Nau Dels Argonautes
Midori Takada – Through The Looking Glass
Ban Ban Ton Ton 