Hyperdub 10.3

Divided between fresh material and selections from albums and 12" releases, the third tenth anniversary Hyperdub compilation focuses on the label's ambient side. It's more disjointed than like-themed collections from other wide-ranging independents like Kompakt, Ghostly, and Mule Electronic, but it's worth noting that it was truly pieced together, with the earliest tracks dating back to the mid-2000s. Almost all of the material is beatless, yet the compilation showcases Hyperdub's diversity -- from Laurel Halo to DJ Earl -- to an extent almost equal to that of Hyperdub 10.1. Among the previously released standouts are slivers from Halo's Quarantine and Chance of Rain and Burial's self-titled album and Untrue. The ten-minute "Liloo's Seduction," taken from King Britt's 2012 Fhloston Paradigm EP, is one of the most finessed tracks and verges on acid ambient. King Midas Sound contribute a moment from Waiting for You, and the group's Kevin Martin also provides a typically baleful track as the Bug. (Martin's tracks here would undoubtedly highlight a third Macro Dub Infection compilation, if the Bug man were to put it together.) The prime standout new to all listeners comes from Jeremy Greenspan and Jason Borys, whose "Gage" is an inflamed stalker's theme, much closer to Bernard Szajner than to Junior Boys. ~ Andy Kellman