released: june 13, 2024

genre: electronic

from: munich, germany

label: ilian tape

a few thoughts: skee mask has over the last few years become one of my favourite electronic music producers. 2018’s compro may be one of my favourite electronic albums of all time at this point – there’s just something so hypnotic and alluring about the compositions on that album. the riveting techno-esque beats and grooves, the atmospheric and more ambient compositions too, all of it just clicked with me immediately, and i’ve been exploring his music since discovering that album. resort came out this june, one of two albums he’s released this year if we count the incredible iss010. with 12 tracks and an hour runtime, the album is an expansive body of work that captures skee mask’s versatility as a producer, as his compositions range from gentle and ambient, to punchy and dynamic. from the incredibly emotive synth-led opener “hedwig transformation group” to the dynamic ethereal “vitamin 313”, the album is full of incredible moments. from “reminiscrmx”, with its jittery beat that complements the ambient synths, to the warm and inviting “daytime gamer”, the album features some striking yet subdued moments. it’s an emotive and beautiful album in many ways. the keys and synths on “bb care” are emotive and incredible, as the beat arrangement is frantic yet fits with the melancholic, reflective nature of the track. “terminal z” is an emotive, ambient cut that is unassuming and haunting, while “hölzl was a dancer” has this upbeat, kind of uplifting energy to it. the percussive and scattered production on “7am at the rodeo” is infectious too. there’s so much to admire about skee mask’s ability to create emotive, beautiful and complex compositions that evoke a melancholic yet nostalgic feeling. resort is an excellent addition to an already fruitful discography.

the album: