Really great albums always have a very distinct atmosphere - you put them on and they draw you into their sonic world until you are released at the end of the last track. Peaking Lights' blissful '936' does exactly that, submerging you in its lazy, sexy, intoxicated world for around 50 minutes before sliding you out into bed or wherever you feel like going next.
The record has a sort of jacuzzi drug party feel about it. The opening track 'Synthy' is a relaxing hypnotic swirl, easing you in and passing you a beaker of special punch. Second track 'All The Sun That Shines' turns on the bubbles with its dubby percussion and loping bassline, also introducing a naive, druggy vocal style which floats above the warm water of synth at various points throughout the record. The vocal comes in male and female forms, both reverby and simple and completely apt for the music.
As the album progresses the listener only sinks deeper into a mesmerised childish state of joy. A particular euphoric highlight is 'Tiger Eyes (Laid Back)', which has probably the strongest groove on 936, and a great chiming sound as well. Closer 'Summertime' gives your ears and brain a final swirl by layering a syncopated churning below the surface. This intensifies the whole blend of Peaking Lights' sound and provides a great mood to end on.
Thoroughly recommended for anyone who likes dub, psych, kraut, synth, music, drugs, music and drugs, jacuzzis, or lying in bed until the afternoon. Apparently they are working on a follow up which is a night time counterpart to this record. I expect great things.