Hinterland not only proves that Cold Water Music, the first
Aim record, was no fluke, but arguably betters it with a broader palette and a finer production touch. Andy Turner lays way back on the groove, coming on like
Sade on the skeletal "Good Disease," then inviting veteran producer Diamond D. to take his sweet time with some dis rhymes for "The Omen." Elsewhere, "A Twilight Zone" has an appealing pastoral quality not heard in dance circles since
Beth Orton's
Central Reservation. There's nothing revolutionary here, just a few downtempo beats and breaks with atmospheric overlays reminiscent of soundtracks from the '60s and '70s. Still, Turner's gotten even better at his pacing; he balances the vocal features (only five) among excellent instrumentals like "Guimar" and "Linctus," the highlights here. Though it's so laid-back as to be nearly horizontal,
Hinterland is still an entertaining listen, an excellent album from one of the best producers in the post-trip-hop brigade. ~ John Bush