Abstract

Abstract on vinyl: sound instead of song

In short: Abstract describes electronic music that often moves away from fixed song or dance forms: layers of sound, textures, noises and collages that create spaces rather than melodies. The style overlaps with ambient and experimental music. The Vinyl Room currently has 100 abstract records.

What is abstract?

Music to immerse yourself in: Canadian Tim Hecker shapes clouds of sound from choirs and electronics on “Love Streams”, Huerco S. lets rhythms dissolve on “Plonk”.

From Japan come Inoyama Land with “Commissions: 1977–2000”, from Portugal Carlos Maria Trindade and Nuno Canavarro with “Mr. Wollogallu”. Plus Perila from Berlin, Aïsha Devi and early synthesizer sounds by Pat Prilly.

What to look for

Many of these records come out on specialist labels or as reissues; label, catalogue number and year of release help you tell which edition you have – it’s noted with each copy.

From our stock

First pressings

New in

→ The Caretaker · Ambient · Leftfield · Electronic on vinyl · How to spot a first pressing · Grading explained

FAQ

What is abstract? Electronic music, mostly away from fixed song or dance forms – layers of sound, textures and collages.

What is the difference from ambient? The boundaries are fluid; abstract is often rougher and more experimental.

Who stands for abstract? Here, among others, Tim Hecker, Huerco S. and Inoyama Land.

Are there older recordings too? Yes – for example Pat Prilly or Inoyama Land’s “Commissions: 1977–2000”.