CHILLINDRON

CHA CHA CHUGGERS FOR FUN

Purelink have emerged as underdogs of the Ambient and Downtempo scenes – the past couple of years has seen the group release a number of records which showcases a deep sense of understanding and ambition toward a genre which is often misunderstood and misheard.

Tommy Paslaski (aka Concave Reflection), Ben Paulson (aka Kindtree) and Akeem Asani (aka Millia) have been releasing music as Purelink – broadening the narrative around their sound as they weave intricate layers, samples and melodies together to create a new age world of their own making.

Their music is atmospheric and rooted in moments of personal reflection and self awareness. They rework material and samples to create something else entirely and the music itself is as much a soundscape or a backdrop to the world of the listener.

Recent releases have come on Peak Oil, UwU dust bath, Naff and Lillerne Tape Club.

Purelink: The Wednesday Alternative Mix

Purelink have been described more than once as an "ambient boy band." (They themselves say "jam band.") It's not meant dismissively—the American trio purposefully mean to function as a band, even if their main instruments are laptops. Ambient might not quite cut it as a descriptor, though. The group's music crosses eras and scenes, touching on the late '90s clicks & cuts boom as well as the billowy ambient techno put out by labels like 3XL, West Mineral Ltd. and NAFF. 

Their most recent LP, Signs, released on enigmatic imprint Peak Oil (and one of our favourite albums of 2023), is especially impressive, made of stuttering rhythms and glassy textures. In other words, it's ambient-not-ambient. While members Concave Reflection, kindtree and Millia have all made excellent music on their own, something special happens when they come together.

Purelink's RA Podcast is another stellar contribution to our post-New Year's tradition, where we highlight a more laid-back sound to soothe weary minds and frazzled brain cells after the heavy holiday celebrations. This is 90-plus minutes of intricately textured downtempo, dub techno and even UK garage, all cut through with a floaty, almost drowsy quality, with plenty of exclusives and unreleased cuts from the likes of Nick León, James K, Downstairs J and more. It highlights Purelink's position as a bridger of worlds, sounds and tempos.

Read more at https://ra.co/podcast/917

CHILLINDRON

nextepvision