Ali Berger - Serious [Scissors and Thread]

Ali Berger, originally from New Jersey, is a drum machine specialist and an understated stalwart of electronic music in the United States. He currently resides in Pittsburgh, having spent the 2010s in Boston and Detroit. His catalog of original music is extensive, with over 60 releases on his Trackland imprint, in addition to EPs on labels like Spectral Sound and Sequencias, all the result of a carefully cultivated studio approach that respects improvisation as a spiritual practice.

With this sublime release on Scissors and Thread, Ali shares a multitude of sounds and atmospheres across five tracks. As he explains: "This record compiles tracks from the last three years, plus 0221 (Serious Mix), which is from 2018. A full cross-section of production techniques are represented here, from single-take jam sessions to multi-tracked compositions, but throughout the whole project there is a deep melancholy that is (I hope) balanced by enough groove to be encouraging. Maintaining emotional equilibrium requires constant, careful attention; music is part of that process for me, and these tracks reflect that."

This balance between melancholic atmospheres and groove is evident throughout the work. "Rhythm & Simplicity" is an understated, reflective track, ideal for more discerning dance floors, while "A New World To Forget" also demonstrates a deep love for refined house and analog drum machines. "Tape Jam Pt 2" is the perfect blend of improvisation and pure groove, presented in a raw and unpolished manner. "0221 (Serious Mix)" fuses a breakbeat with pads and synths that evoke a Balearic sunrise vibe, while "Motion Anthem" closes the EP with a more intense groove, accompanied by nostalgic melodies and an ocean of feelings.