Astrel K made one of our most played records of 2022, the knotty and elliptical Flickering I, released via Stereolab's Duophonic imprint, so it's an honour to have them contribute this mix for our Inner World series. It's a short and sweet affair, just nine tracks over 40 minutes, but its economy still proves a neat survey of the contemporary indie underground, making nods to the influential heavyweights (Talk Talk, Robert Wyatt) and referencing some future classics in the form of Hype Williams, Tara Clerkin Trio et al. Much like the music of Astrel K, the emphasis is on both off-kilter melody and woozy textures, the kind of music that slides between the lines. Some familiar names in here, and all the more comforting for it in these cold seasons in the abyss.
