Tom VR moves between euphoric dancefloor rhythms and comforting ambient textures on an album that captures the full range of his electronic sound.
Tom VR is one of the most talented and sonically diverse electronic artists making music today. Think layered drums, warming 4/4 dancefloor gems and soothing ambient textures. All of this is on display on Don't Know How Fast I'm Moving Until I Hit Something, which feels like the work of a confident artist coming of age and releasing his finest work yet.
The first half of the album feels like being transported to a dark room at 2am. Layered percussion, searing basslines and gorgeous synths create an irresistible dancefloor energy. Halfway through the title track, the music breaks down into something altogether more ethereal, with a gorgeous, calming conclusion that signals a shift in atmosphere.
'Little New Heart' takes us further into ambient territory, with a sense of tenderness that perhaps hints at the experience of parenthood. 'Mag Field' continues in a similar vein before eventually circling back to a 4/4 dancefloor groove, echoing the energy of the album's opening half.
'Unlocked Love' might be the album's highlight. An expansive, ever-changing and luscious synth line floats above a wonderfully growling bass, creating a sound that's both enormous and deeply comforting.
'A Little Sugar with the Usual Salt' is the sort of track that makes you want to take an edible, make a hot chocolate and sink into a candlelit bath, allowing the atmosphere to wash over you. 'New Meds (Landing Safely)' keeps you submerged in bubbles, maintaining this feeling of warmth, calm and safety.
Tom understands the musical landscape: what's come before, where he fits into this ever-changing collage of electronic music, and where the fertile ground for exploration lies. There's a huge sense of fun throughout the album, and his music is indicative of an artist who has mastered his workflow, is comfortable moving between different sonic spaces and isn't afraid to challenge what we expect from an electronic album.
The album hits many of the same notes that Four Tet has mastered over the years: absolute, unbridled dancefloor ecstasy, followed by a warm, welcoming and wonderfully cosy place to land. Whether you want to dance your heart out at 6am or drift off to another planet in the bath, this album has got you covered.