XLR8R

Austin's Proem (Richard Bailey)-a strong contender for supplanting the British stronghold on trippy IDM á la Boards Of Canada (but without the brimstone and treacle)-turns it up with the remarkably compelling "Socially Inept." Merck certainly ain't no slouch, considering Aphilas' equally high quality EP, Instrumentally Ill. Part hip-hop, part jazz-funk, part "hell yeah," this Helsinki-based duo crafts gorgeous melodies with lush strings and echoing guitar samples.