Titled
Quarters because it was recorded at four locations across Berlin, this is James Welch's first proper album, following an ultra-limited cassette and a handful of singles and EPs released from 2010 through 2012. While the vast majority of electronic producers have gravitated to Berlin for the city's well-known dance scene, Welch -- an Englishman -- continues to make melodic home-listening tracks. He has admitted that he doesn't dance, and he rarely hits clubs, but there's nothing insular about his productions. They brim with energy, and these particular tracks -- "Rilo" especially -- are among his most active yet. Neither as intricate nor as emotionally varied as releases from inspirations and contemporaries like
Gold Panda,
Quarters is short on obvious standouts and distinctive qualities, but it is steady, conducive to beginning-to-end listening. ~ Andy Kellman