Bleep

Illum Sphere - producer Ryan Hunn - first came to attention as a key figure in Manchester's music scene. In 2008 he founded the city's well-regarded Hoya:Hoya club night alongside Jonny Dub and subsequently made a name for himself DJing a vital blend of hip-hop, techno, dub, psych, house and much more in between. He's also released his own music through the likes of Fat City, Young Turks and 3024, as well as remixed Radiohead, honing a trippy and unique approach to music for dance-floors. His full-length album for Ninja Tune refines his sound across a set of rich, textured tracks to make a singular release. 'It'll Be Over Soon' builds a dense soundscape of hissing bass and futuristic effects, while 'Sleeprunner', with it's darkly undulating synth pattern, while similarly contained, is a track that grows and ripples with clawing tension. It's an album with a pull to it that might initially come across as less immediate than some of his earlier work, but its also far more magnetic in its relative stillness. 'Love Theme From Foreverness' is a spectral lullaby, its lightly clicking percussion and gentle strings hypnotising. 'At Night' takes liquid jungle rhythms and softens them further into a warm, nostalgic balm. It's an album of great character, and on 'Ghost Of Then And Now' Illum Sphere proves his range as a producer.