The most recent full-lengther from the English duo ISAN was released earlier this year on Morr Music in Germany. You might be familiar with their name from various remixes like the two on the Morr compilation, 'Putting the Morr Back in Morrissey' and their Seefeel remix on the Warp 10th anniversary remix disc or various other compilation appearances.
The sound is simple, blissful and serene, consisting almost entirely of analogue synth sounds and the occasional punchy Kraftwerkian percussive sounds. Many of these tunes actually remind me of those occasional songs which crept up on side B of an OMD or Depeche Mode 7" single from the 1980s. Perhaps it's an intentional tribute to those particular 3-6 minute gems that weren't the popular hits on the radio, but that personal gift those of us who were collectors got to enjoy over and over again. ISAN's not one of them deep-listening experiences that commands attention at all times, nor will you remember most of the song titles by the end of the day, however it's very effective for working on homework, reading or relaxing at the end of a hectic work day or orbiting the earth in a space station. I want a bowl of soup.
 
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