The long-awaited debut full length from Lapalux is here! And after an initial office listening, we can confirm that it was well worth the wait. Following two critically acclaimed EPs (2012's Some Other Time and When You're Gone), Stuart Howard (aka Lapalux) brings it all together on Nostalchic, a proper album of lush new school beats on Flylo's Brainfeeder imprint. To call this piece of work "next level" would be an understatement. Here Lapalux deftly connects the dots between ambient and glitch, always full of deep texture and atmosphere, all underpinned with carefully programmed beats and vocal samples to produce something uniquely emotive and moving. It is rare to get all these pieces to work together as a whole, but Howard is able to do it with unbelievable skill and prowess (just check how well the vocals and ambience work to create melodies). Check "Iamsys," "Flower," "Straight Over My Head," and "Flower" for a taste, but really the whole thing demands repeat listens. 12 tracks in all pressed on deluxe double 180g white vinyl with stunning die cut sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: Brainfeeder 2013

reviewed by TKB 05/2013