NanoSweep 18

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

	Album Title: Nanosweep 18
	Record Label: Nanosounds
	Catalog No.: NS-018
	Release Date: August 17, 2014
	Purchase: Buy at Sweep Record

Overview

NanoSweep is an ongoing series of original music that was initiated in 2004 by various members of NanoSounds and SuperSweep. It usually features members from each of these companies and occasionally a guest composer. This is the eighteenth original album and features compositions by Shinji Hosoe, Ayako Saso, Takahiro Eguchi, Ryo Watanabe, and Taku Inoue. This is the first time that Hiroshi Okubo has not been featured on a NanoSweep album since he was too busy at the time to complete a track for the release. How does this album fare as a whole?

Body

The album opens up with Shinji Hosoe’s “Inverse regression,” one of the highlights of this release. Featuring smooth vocal work, intricate percussion, and a spacey vibe, it is certainly a satisfying listen; however, since it is much softer in sound — although still bass-heavy — compared to some of his more recent releases, fans of his harder sounds might not find this as enjoyable.

Ayako Saso’s “Afternoon of summer” is definitely the tune on the release that sticks out for its style, since it is the only one that doesn’t have an electronic focus. More of a lounge jazz style, it is bubbly, fun, and definitely reminiscent of a summer tune with some nice solos as well. Takahiro Eguchi’s “Cold blue” has a trance feel to it and is a fun dance tune. There is a beautiful melody; the introduction takes a while to get going, but once it does, it manages to satisfy.

Ryo Watanabe’s “Glanz” is pretty standard fare for him and the NanoSweep series. It is a catchy tune and does have a disco vibe, but it doesn’t particularly stand out either. To close the album, Taku Inoue’s “That’s Right” provides another dance tune. It’s quite catchy and has a very infectious beat; however, compared to the other tunes on the album, it does feature far more repetition, particularly in the beat, but I do appreciate the changes in intensity as the tune progresses.

Summary

In the end, NanoSweep 18 is definitely a smorgasbord of sounds. From soft electronic to more dance-like tunes, and even a jazzy tune thrown into the mix, this release definitely has a lot of variety; however, not all of the tunes are wholly satisfying; they are still enjoyable listens for the most part. If you enjoy the samples, it might be worth picking up.