The North Shore

First US release from Danish electronic music artist, Manual, and his frequent collaborator, Jess Kahr (aka Limp). Jonas Munk Jensen -- Manual -- has been working toward more ambient sounds on recent releases, "Into Forever" (Morr) and the brilliant "Isares" (Static Caravan). "The North Shore" is a near pure ambient album, though it still has melody and composition. The sound is a combination of the introspective moods of Eno's classics "Ambient 4" and "Plateau Of The Mirror" and the beauty of The Cocteau Twins' "The Moon and the Melodies," however, it is clearly and uniquely Manual-esque. These songs have a special narrative quality compared to most ambient music and exists in its own timeless sphere, avoiding all current trends and genre-laboring. "The North Shore" doesn't have the shoegazey guitar or beats we've heard on Manual's previous work, although it will more than please those familiar with his previous records. "The North Shore" is absolutely Jonas' most cohesive and mature work to date. You can't listen to it without soon feeling yourself slowing down and relaxing...as if you were 10 days into vacation on some empty, quiet beach in the sun. Joining Manual on two of the record's seven tracks is electronic music artist in his our right, Jess Kahr. This is very blissful, very personal, and very Om. Recommended if you like Brian Eno, The Moon And The Melodies, Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, Irresistible Force, Boards Of Canada, Slowdive, Ennio Morricone.