The arguably most beautiful track on Feathers & Bones is just two and a half minutes short and it's tucked away at the very end: "Tape #2" is a magical loop of swelling pads, gentle analogue scratchings and a melody which feels like it was beamed directly from Venus to Earth. There are plenty moments like this to be found on this album, Olivier Mateu's fourth and possibly best. After the phenomenal, minimal-inspired dream debut Bittersweet, Bliss marked the beginning of something new – an eclectic journey incorporating acid lines and breakbeats.
Feathers & Bones continues this path and marks a moment of self-discovery. Which is why he is releasing it on his freshly founded own label. A key feature is the constant oscillation between instrumentals and vocal tracks, between drifting and dancing. The songs are multi-layered, without ever feeling heavy - many elements, including countless field recordings from Mateu's archive, are mixed together so subtly that you only notice them on repeat listens.
The effect, however, is anything but subtle. Partly thanks to the care invested in the atmos mix, Feathers & Bones is one of those rare releases which are almost guaranteed to linger in your head for a long time. It's a release which makes you excited for a follow-up – something Rodriguez Jr. is thankfully already working on.
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