Erik Kowalski's second album as
Casino Versus Japan is an ambient-techno postcard from the nation's sunniest state, though the only obvious references to Hawaii come with the faraway slack-key guitar on the opener "Theme" and the delightful vocal samples of a preschooler on "It's Very Sunny." Elsewhere,
Go Hawaii is a superb album of chill-out techno-pop -- heavy on the spacious synth, minor-key melodies, and crunchy percussion programs. Check "Local Forecast," "Late for School," and "Over Island" for some of the dreamiest techno to come out of the American underground, or "Dielectric Saints" for an atmospheric soundclash between dub and noise-pop. ~ John Bush