http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/12/14/095700.php

Music Review: Sasha - "Coma"
Written by David R Perry
Published December 14, 2007
See also:
» CD Review: Jars of Clay - Christmas Songs
» Music Review: The Killers - Sawdust
» Music Review: Mannheim Steamroller – Christmas Song

Sasha has been steadily producing exquisite releases over the past few years. His debut artist album Airdrawndagger was arguably the most anticipated electronic release of that and several other years. Involver sufficiently raised the bar for original mix albums, almost creating a genre in itself. And both Fundacion and his Instant Live: Avalon sets showed that pretty much whatever he sets his mind to releasing will have a high stamp of quality.

But original material has been slow to come. Airdrawndagger was years in the making, and "Seal Clubbing" with Charlie May, although a good track, felt like an Airdrawndagger leftover (and very well may have been). Now with the release of several new tracks on his new emFire label, we're finally seeing some new material. As well as a new progression of sound.

The first release from the series is "Coma," and sets the stage for what should be a very interesting and dense EP's worth of music.

"Coma" is a dark, rumbling, and twisting dance track. Those familiar with Airdrawndagger and some of the deeper cuts on Expander will obviously recognize it as Sasha. But stylistically it perhaps fits most closely with the overall feel of his Avalon set, which centered around a more breaks-inspired progressive house sound, although, as always, through Sasha's stylistic filter. The end result was a sound that found its interest almost through hypnosis; the tracks maintained a consistent style, and sucked you in to a dark, but luxurious mid-tempo lushness. It wasn't a Friday-Night mix, and neither is "Coma" a hands-in-the-air single. But it's unmistakably Sasha, and unquestionably gorgeous.

And this is perhaps the most interesting thing about "Coma", that it seems like it would be difficult to work into a peak-time set in its current form. Although underpinned by a constant heartbeat pulse, it comes across as a very cinematic track, finding its arc and journey through an ever-evolving bed of high production and subtle, if dirty, beauty. But it could easily be remixed as a proper stormer, which makes me wonder if there won't eventually be "proper" releases that include remixes.

Almost as interesting as the track, the artwork and release plans for the singles should receive equal coverage. In a step looking both backwards and forwards, the tracks will only be released digitally and on limited edition vinyl. Perhaps the recent trend toward vinyl collections in indie-rock circles is helping with a renewed user base for electronic music as well.

The vinyl is presented as actual 12" singles, the three records combining to form an EP of new material, with apparent plans already in place for more music to be released in this fashion on into next year. Each record contains music on one side and a laser-etched design on the other, corresponding to the cover artwork. There is a high art- and cool-factor to the physical disc, and definitely takes things a notch above the standard vinyl release. Vinyl purchases are available from the artist's official website, as well as choice vinyl outlets.

The fact that new original tracks from Sasha are finally available should have fans scurrying for their wallets, both for securing the new tracks and also for fashionable weekend attire. For casual fans, it should be a no-brainer to recommend the new digital tracks, which are available from most of the major digital outlets (Amazon, iTunes, eMusic, etc.), as well as specialty electronic outlets (Beatport). The vinyl, currently at $13 a pop for each track, should obviously be considered more a collector/hardcore fan purchase, as the cost of the total EP will severely impact your monthly glowstick allowance.

But overall, the material is very promising, and should prove sufficient reason for keeping tabs on the release schedule (see, email update lists aren't such a bad idea after all).