Audiopile Review: Most of you probably don’t need the hard sell for this one, but it is worth noting that Misha Panfilov’s Days As Echoes, arguably his breakthrough, is back in print! Issued five years back, long time email readers of ours might recall that this was the album that had initially turned us on to the wide world of Panfilov. It also marks his first full plunge into the mellow ambient-jazz fused with a lounge-library vibe that’s been his calling card through subsequent releases like Atlantico and The Sea Will Outlive Us, Panfilov slowly shifting away from the psychedelic-surf and gritty funk that characterized his earlier work. As breezy and inviting as the album cover, Days As Echoes sways in an effortless air of lilting flutes, Ethiopique’d snaky sax, dusty percussion, and the spacey dream-work of his classic analog synths that have since become an integral part of his sound. We’ve had multiple pressings of this over the years, so chances are the growing crew of Panfilov acolytes out there have already gripped this, but if you’ve yet to be charmed by this brilliant Estonian composer, this is just about the best place to start.

***

“The vibe on this sophomore release channels Krautrock philosophy and Library music, peppered with elements of jazz, Ethiopian, cinema, ambient and bits of everything between. This atmosphere is created from all the instruments Misha uses and the resulting compositions are heard as repetitive patterns that are forged from the multiple layering of melodies. Thus, creating six unique songs with emotional granularity, yet collectively encompass a genuinely positive “feel good” vibe…with a hint of nostalgia.”