This was a strong year for what we once called electronic listening music and it was interesting how many new records came from familiar names that cross over from the experimental community: Tim Hecker, the Field, Julianna Barwick, Boards of Canada, Four Tet. All we needed to round it out was a new Fennesz record—or a new Burial, which we got, last week, in the form of Rival Dealer, another stealth 12" release in what is quietly become a run of classic EPs. Like the aforementioned artists, Burial has an instantly recognizable sound, but it’s shocking how much he has been able to do with it, that he can retain his core vibe and texture while making music that varies wildly in structure and intent. Rival Dealer is typically gorgeous on the surface, with the usual array of ghosted voices, vinyl crackles, ominous synths, and a subtle but powerful sense of melody. But Burial has never sounded this hectic or intense at one end and this lush and meditative on the other, and there’s a deeper emotional undercurrent running beneath.

Since the record’s release, Burial’s William Bevan has released a statement that sheds light on sample threads that run through the record, some of which feature quotes about sexual identity and being who you are and rising above. "I wanted the tunes to be anti-bullying tunes that could maybe help someone to believe in themselves," Bevan’s note read, "to not be afraid, and to not give up, and to know that someone out there cares and is looking out for them.” Rival Dealer is an extended EP of glorious extremes and there in the middle are the listeners, wrapping themselves in sound, living inside Burial’s world for a moment while thinking about the one outside. —Mark Richardson

Burial: "Come Down to Us"