CD review time?

I think so. Let's talk about Are You Really Lost by Matias Aguayo. This is a brief bit of out-of-print (but still available at Amazon.com as of this writing--see my link for updates) electronic music that is not straightforward dance music, nor is it pulseless ambient atmospherics. Rather, the tempos are a bit relaxed and Mr. Aguayo sings occasionally in a reserved, slightly withdrawn, whisper-toned voice to minor-key melodies that are usually carried by hollow-sounding drum samples below round-toned synthetic ostinatos.

At times, a track like Drums & Feathers moves into dance territory, but this track and a couple of others wind up sounding like the sort of thing you might hear at a vaguely hip coffee shop: relaxed, but with enough rhythm to sound fresh and energetic, topped with anonymous-sounding mutations of small melodic elements. The stronger tracks, like the title tune, take those same building blocks but add a feeling of urgency and intensity. Overall, this is pleasing stuff, but you may have trouble recalling specific sounds or melodies the next day.

6 out of 10.

CDs listened to today:

• Arild Plau: Concerto For Tuba And Orchestra
• Bill Watrous: Manhattan Wildlife Refuge