Amon Tobin: Isam

Label: Ninja Tune

Ah, that's more like it. It's been far too long since we've heard from Amon Tobin, but now that he's here, this sudden rash of humidity isn't bothering me so much anymore. Along with Aphex Twin, Autechre and Boards of Canada, Brazil's Tobin has been one of the gods of modern electronic music, always pushing the boundaries with his bold mix of jazz sampling and drum 'n' bass rhythms. Like 2007's terrific Foley Room, his seventh full-length, Isam, continues with his faux soundtrack work, creating a rich atmosphere of sound and texture. He's not as dependent on beats as he has been in the past, but when the rhythms kick in, they thunder and pound, beautifully weaved with the creaks, glitches and warm synths that animate this wondrous affair. The album is permeated with a dark and menacing mood, but there are plenty of melodic moments too in this collage of sounds. Nearly an hour long and with never a dull moment, Isam is easily one of the year's best electronic albums.