This partly ridiculous and greatly pleasing release from Jonti has us perplexed. How is it that Twirligig sounds refreshingly simple, lush, serene, yet simultaneously as mad as a box of frogs?

Something between the arrangement of these tracks and the choice of sounds has given this album real personality – every track has life. Nightshift in Blue is a seriously smooth little number with a lounge quality. The lead synths are given loads of space to come out and the bass groove is cheeky and infectious. Passaros uses a kalimba and spacious arrangement for a sneaky and understated feel – it sounds like the kind of music objects around your house would make if they started pottering about after you left for work.

The tracks – despite their well-defined and forthright personalities – feel miniature. This is partly because most songs are barely two-minutes in length, but also because of the instruments – found sounds are used alongside the electronic production and seem mainly untouched giving the impression that the tracks are pieced together in some sort of toy-town scrapheap challenge.

Lead vocals are used sparingly and effectively, this album being more about the music itself than the voice of an individual. Vocal harmonies build up lush extended chords, adding depth to the tracks – Koi Moons Daughter demonstrates this beautifully.

The overall effect is that Twirligig sounds like a Blue Peter replica of a Bonobo/Avalanches collaboration. We don’t mean that in a negative way – it’s amazing.

-Megan Clifton-