Audiopile Review: Shinichi Atobe makes a logical move to his own label, Plastic & Sounds, after a decade unloading his archives for DDS, this new 12” quickly following his 2024 onslaught of the Discipline LP, Onagku 1 12” and a rare appearance in the digital-only realm with the Peace of Mind EP, marking a particularly prolific span for the notoriously private producer. Starting abruptly and with zero build-up, the A-Side is instantly recognizable as Atobe, “Whispers Into the Void” dropping in amidst his typical glowing bath of fluffy chords that echo alongside his characteristically minimalist warmth, a gorgeously wavering piano melody arriving mid-way to tie the track up in a sticky sweet euphoria. The flip one-ups the Acting Press/Pin releases of late (no doubt he’s a big influence there) with it’s head spinning wooze of dubby ticks, fractal FX and his trademark drive of synthetic percussion (Love Of Plastic indeed!). Here’s hoping this recent influx of new material + new label= a new full length soon. Admittedly, it’s a bit spendy for a 12”, but this one’s an import from Japan. And limited, of course.

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Well here’s a thing; after over a decade releasing almost exclusively via Manchester’s DDS label, Chain Reaction legend Shinichi Atobe mints his own Plastic & Sounds imprint with the release of a v special new 12” that feels like the opening of a new chapter. For us, it’s all about the A-side, “Whispers into the Void” – by the far the most romantic, doe-eyed and accomplished thing we’ve heard from him. Gone is that shrill top-end, the subs now butter-smooth, a signature dub-house skank curves around theeee most sensual, lilting piano .It’s just gorgeous, light as a feather, and yet still somehow supremely heavyweight gear. We’re on more familiar ground on Fleeting_637; the tempo is upped a notch, the drums a bit more plastic, the kicks landing with more of a thud. Add some swirling trills and disco sirens blurred into the periphery, plus a very abrupt ending – and you’re in classic Shinichi territory. Aye, bring on the album, this one’s a killer.–Boomkat