Aphelion

Mysteries' latest from Melbourne-based producer Mosam Howieson falls somewhere between realms — percussive, deep techno and airy ambient — eventually landing in a liminal, stunning, undefinable space. From the wispy, tentacled opener “Explorations” to the IDM-leaning stunner “Cerebro,” Howieson's Aphelion is an intentional experiment in world building.

Aphelion refers to the point at which a planet is furthest from the sun. Despite the inherent darkness in this concept, Howieson assures us he's far from cynical: he says the album is “about coming back to the light.” Acidic arpeggiation, airy pads, and intricately woven percussion provide the teeth — the LP is not overly percussive, nor is it strictly ambient.

In listening, there's a sense of the ground moving beneath one's feet — and despite the masterful production, the listening experience is undoubtedly about surrender, not control. Fresh and classic, or in another word, elegant.