‘Gold Panda’

Gold Panda returns to BEAF for the second time with new sounds. The British producer has released several albums and tons of remixes for notorious artists, firmly placing him as one of the top producers of electronic music.

Two years ago, Gold Panda made a series of trips across Japan with photographer Laura Lewis to gather visuals and field recordings for what was supposed to be “a sight and sound” documentary. Impressions from the trips taken during spring and autumn 2014 led to his first album in three years, Good Luck and Do Your Best. He wrote the album in Chelmsford, using Laura’s photos, colours and experiences as catalysts for the album’s 11 tracks.

It is decidedly brighter, more low-key, and less dance-oriented than his previous outing Half of Where You Live. Instead, this newest album seems to fit more into the structure and mood of his debut Lucky Shiner. The same spirit of nostalgia with a pleasantly handmade feeling (which comes from his expert use of MPC samplers) and wistful joy pervades Good Luck and Do Your Best. Sound-wise, it is unlike any of the electronic music being made in 2016, making it refreshingly unfashionable.