Artificial Island are a London-based duo who produce evocative electronic music, blending ambient, downtempo and post-rock influences. Their aim is to write soulful electronic music capturing mood and atmosphere but without neglecting the foreground of melody. Their music is gently upbeat but quietly melancholic, mixing ethereal and pulsing electronics, organic loops, deep almost dub-like bass with shimmering, reversing synths. “Music is always an act of communication; capturing something felt in all its complexity to be shared across time and space. And it is always refracting, casting different lights, different shadows, but ultimately reminding us that we are connected and not isolated. We hope our music succeeds in some way in that act of connection and resonance”.
KMS Reviews wrote of their second single release, ‘Shelter’: “There’s something special attached to this tune. Something genuine. The sound in the newest release of the London based producer duo sounds aged like the earth is. There are so much things happening during these four minutes of running time. Bell-ish synth melodies along a softly pulsating rhythm that feels like blood pumping through your veins. Curious sound effects, metallic shimmers, raindrops along mysterious arpeggiated high pitched synth patterns, you name it. The whole surrounding goes through a process of awakening, building excitement and tension as it evolves.”
Russia’s DJ Mishka writes, “Last winter and spring, sound researchers from the duo Artificial Island repeatedly delighted in beautiful, atmospheric experimental electronics that neatly balance between melodic techno and danceable indie, and this November ended with the fantastically emotional single “Arrival”, showcasing new facets of their talent. Deep bass, melancholic melody, interspersed live keyboards and great immersion in the groove. For such tracks, sets in small clubs are great, or performances at an after-party, where the sense of time is lost, and the party seems simply endless. I cannot but recommend the track to those who love melodic electronics and really interesting sound design.”