Nauru by Coppe' (MSR 007)

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'Nauru' is sweet electronica, but some of the tracks here ('Pakalolo', 'Durango' etc) qualify for dancefloor as well. With titles like these and the label hailing from Honolulu, it's not surprising to find sparse vocals and laid-back atmospherics on the record, but electronica as a style choice certainly comes as a bit of surprise. Broadly speaking, 'Nauru' is like a product of crossbreeding Mouse On Mars with one of those irresponsible dance acts in 'balearic' style. Not so bad idea, in fact. Besides defying genre names, Coppe' have produced some of the more beautiful pieces ('Frozen Fog', 'La Liquid Lizard', 'Paper Soap' et al.) where all the spectrum of mellowness is covered with atmospherics, samples and electronics. There are some ugly instances here when the beat beckons you to take some action, but mostly it's very soothing, bubbling ('Flapper Girl'), relaxing affair with the true Pacific touch I suppose (at least with what could be taken for one). It's truly rare and weird, for electronica at least – filled with unlikely sounds (in 'Flapper Girl' almost like choirs and concerts) mixed in, dub sequences cranking up the wave etc. The occasional female singing's very subdued and mellow, also incomprehensible, probably mermaid-talk. Thoroughly recommended if you're in lookout for something exotic in electronica genre or just something unusual to pass the waning day by.