is the first full-length effort by , a Chilean-American producer whose work is deeply influenced by , jazz pianists like and , and . Early singles were more dancefloor-friendly than the album, which layers multiple acoustic instruments, most notably 's own jazz-inflected piano, sampled vocals, and even a drum solo (the 23-second ) into a melancholy, pensive 45-minute journey. assembled the disc from several years' worth of recordings -- he's relentlessly productive -- but it has a conceptual unity that makes it feel like the product of a single burst of inspiration. This music is spiritual, psychedelic at times, and always rooted in a strong core concept that goes beyond "intelligent dance music" toward the idea that electronics are merely a tool, and do not themselves demand loyalty to any particular aesthetic. In some ways, the music on is reminiscent of pianist 's early-2000s albums like , with sampled vocals and occasional singing to bring it closer to pop. Indeed, had he not chosen to release it on his own label, could well have found a home as part of 's Blue Series. ~ Phil Freeman