Gothelectro welding experiments, PNE's music is starchy and forceful without raw agression. Even the all-German lyrics don't detract from the experience for a wordsmith who likes to know what his CDs are saying to him. That's how marvelous PNE's delectable sound inventions (i.e. songs) are. Truly, "Maschinemusik" isn't a title to a CD. Rather, it's a label, an alert, an important piece of hey-I'm-telling-you-what-you're-about-to-be-hearing. One wonders ... is it possible the creator of these pieces is sentient artificial life? Has Vger (pronounced Vee-jer) changed careers? (Ask Spock. He might know.) Dark. Yet funky. In a way shamelessly poppy pieces of wannabe new wave back in the 80s. Or in a way real new wave was, with at least the wrapper of that decades bubble gum. Yet so assimilated (you thought my theory about the artist was paranoid too) like a motherfuckin' Borg that it's there, yet it's not.

It's tough to decide if BYTET is under-produced amateur electro or if BYTET's work is the product of some sort of geek genius. It's true the music smacks of the electronic musical wranglings of a bedroom DJ but it's also true there's a certain indie, quirk appeal to BYTET's unique craftings. Then there's that part ... yeah, this stuff is fairly unique in musical personality. Eclecticism marks this collection of BYTET's work, with flavors ranging from minimalist electro/electro-industrial to restrained post-modern electro-tribalsong. The vocals are thin and feel like they were sort of mixed in sideways. (This is part of BYTET's style that befuddles me, incidentally.) There's no getting around the fact that these are amateur recordings that lack a certain polish and crispness. However, there's also a certain appeal to BYTET's music. I suspect that his target audience - and I do believe he has one - will be rabid electro freaks into the weird/indie/underground/pseudo-experimental area.

Domo Records is nothing if not impressive in its ability to produce and release a variety of new age albums, all of preeminent quality. Another fine example of their work can be found in the Susan Mazer and Dallas Smith project "The Circle of Life". Mazer's Harp and Smith's Woodwinds blend together to create a special sound that distinguishes itself from being just another generic new age soft instrument creation. There's a flavor to their music that helps it stand out. Beyond that is the music's ability - a common factor with Domo releases - to carry you away, to displace your spirit in a better place for a bit. The music is brisk like a comfortably cold morning but warm like a soft summer sunrise. The instruments fit together like puzzle pieces whose ultimate picture is that of nature in its utmost serenity. Alluring and undeniably comforting, "The Circle of Life" is a fine addition to any new age/ambient collection.

Domo Records' "Best of Fumio" shows exactly why Fumio has been around long enough to have a best of disc. Fumio's lush, gorgeous soundscapes are soul-captivating and assert their siren's allure instantly upon pressing of the play button. Flows of electronic ambient are surrounded by crystalline drifts of audio form; low, subtle musical shapes; the lightest of light wooden percussion, just for texture; smooth xylophonic punctuation, etc. Fumio's music creates a blissful realm of peace from which one never wants to return. The music is simple but fulfilling and utterly effective and represents exquisite, top-line new age.

Domo Records is nothing if not impressive in its ability to produce and release a variety of new age albums, all of preeminent quality. Another fine example of their work can be found in the Susan Mazer and Dallas Smith project "The Circle of Life". Mazer's Harp and Smith's Woodwinds blend together to create a special sound that distinguishes itself from being just another generic new age soft instrument creation. There's a flavor to their music that helps it stand out. Beyond that is the music's ability - a common factor with Domo releases - to carry you away, to displace your spirit in a better place for a bit. The music is brisk like a comfortably cold morning but warm like a soft summer sunrise. The instruments fit together like puzzle pieces whose ultimate picture is that of nature in its utmost serenity. Alluring and undeniably comforting, "The Circle of Life" is a fine addition to any new age/ambient collection.