Correlations : Andromeda Workshop

There’s something striking about Correlations new record Andromeda Workshop. The name alone elicits visions of some Moebius-drawn world; futuristic yet somehow feeling ancient in its simplicity and almost melancholy storytelling. “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” comes to mind(please don’t sue me Disney!) The retro-futuristic sounds Correlations(aka Neil Hale) creates build a surprisingly emotional experience in one’s head and heart. And this is the case whenever Neil Hale dons the Correlations cap. From modular excursions with blips and bleeps(Hot Pots), to the sordid and shaded world of late night drives and questionable intentions(Aftermath). I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Hale’s Proto Droids project and the robo-funk genius of Cybernetic World.

If Neil Hale is behind the self-driving wheel you know you’re headed in the right direction.

Andromeda Workshop stays in steely purple hues and glossy optimism. The music seems to emanate from some ethereal light, painting futuristic landscapes, visions of dream worlds, and casting spells like some Buck Rogers necromancer. It pulls you in and you’re engaged for the entire runtime.

Opener and title track “Andromeda Workshop” is the perfect entry point. There’s a warmth and optimism to this track. I’m reminded of some of the uplift Le Matos created on the Turbo Kid score. It’s like waking up to a new world, one that is strange but also deceptively beautiful. If there’s danger, you’re willing to face it. “Superdry, I’m Super High!” is a low key electro funk track. This would have sat nicely on Proto Droid’s Cybernetic World, with its synthetic groove and playful melodic banter. “Elektroid” has an urgency to it, maybe not imminent danger ahead but a darkness.

Andromeda Workshop flows wonderfully, keeping you locked into the synthetic world Correlations has so carefully crafted for us. From the monolithic “Silver Runner” to the effervescent and addictive flow of “No Reference” to the slow motion techno of “3100 Malfunction” we’re treated to an epic musical scope. We’re met at the end by the lush, dream-like finale “Expanding Orange”.

Neil Hale is one of the greats when it comes to the new(ish) wave of electronic artists plowing their own path in the growing genre. Each of his releases as Correlations is its own world and vibe, never sticking to the same old same old. Andromeda Workshop continues that musical mission statement to stunning effect.