Abaporu

Named after a painting by Tarsila do Amaral and sporting a cover with artwork inspired by the Brazilian modernist, Abaporu is Gui Boratto's fourth Kompakt album. The dark edge of the producer's previous release for the Cologne-based label, 2011's III, has been replaced by brighter splashes that place it closer in tone to Chromophobia. Among the highlights are the taut and dramatic "Joker," the relatively kicked back "Please Don't Take Me Home," and "Manifesto," which slinks almost as strikingly as the Roxy Music song of the same title. Like much of Boratto's previous work, it's all superbly crafted but not much of it leaves a lasting impression. The compact disc edition is enhanced by the addition of the 2013 and 2014 A-sides "Too Late" (featuring Luciana Villanova) and "Take Control" (featuring Mari Perrelli). ~ Andy Kellman