Four years after his critically acclaimed Pirquenfell, electronic innovator Maxolydian returns with Islas – a genre-defying masterpiece recorded in one take at 3,000m elevation in the Chilean Andes. This fourth studio album (released May 6, 2025) blends ambient textures, drum’n’bass energy and melodic IDM into a profoundly human exploration of change, connection and cosmic wonder.
The title track Islas sets the tone with swirling synths that mimic ocean waves, establishing the album’s central metaphor of islands representing our simultaneous isolation and interdependence. Standout moments include the heartbreaking Yoko’s Blues (a tribute to resilient grief), the piano-driven migration meditation Birds, and Eye of Infinity’s awe-inspiring cosmic soundscapes.
Recorded live without overdubs and featuring Maxolydian’s wife narrating mysterious recipes on Candiyugo, the album prioritizes raw authenticity over polished perfection. While this approach creates occasional rough edges, it amplifies the emotional impact – these are electronic compositions that breathe, stumble and soar like living organisms.
More than just a collection of tracks, Islas is a 42-minute journey that rewards deep listening. It cements Maxolydian’s status as electronic music’s most compelling storyteller, capable of making machines sound profoundly human.
