Alternative Press (US)

Dan Abrams’ debut album of hypnotic ambient tracks employs “experimental methods of software scripting” which you might expect from a bright young guy recording in california in 1999. Computer-based it may be, but the digital music on Optimal.lp practically glows with warmth and teems with fascinating – and sometimes abrasive – textures. And the subtle melodies will move you to rethink your biases against electronic music’s “coldness” (not that there’s anything wrong with coldness, per se). – dave segal