Woo

*200 copies edition* In its own way the music of British duo brothers Mark and Clive Ives—known creatively as Woo—seemed destined for a digital world that the internet offers. They began making music together decades ago, but it’s only been within the last decade that they’ve started to receive the critical acclaim they rightly deserve. Their music is largely instrumental (though not always the case) and is perhaps the best example of “mood music” I can think of. Occasionally it’s meditative and somber, while other records are reflective and hopeful. Comparisons to everyone from Laraaji and Brian Eno to Durutti Column and Penguin Café Orchestra could be made with a varying sense of accuracy. In the case of their latest collection of archival recordings, All Is Well, the music is absolutely playful. It’s lighthearted, jovial, and in its own way, it serves as a balm to the stressful times we live in.