For all the outward impenetrability of Macaroom’s inter ice age 4, from the technicality of its algorithmically-programmed instrumentals (something apparently to do with biochemistry) to its literary roots (it’s inspired by Kōbō Abe’s 1958 sci-fi novel of the same name), it is simply such an easy record to gaze upon, be soothed by and dwell within. More than ever, emaru and Asahi are masters of flickering and delicate glitch, unintrusive, punctuative beats and of scaling unwittingly tectonic sonic peaks. Their first proper studio album since 2018’s Swimming Classroom, inter ice age 4 shows even more patience and expertise in Macaroom’s craft – it’s another skilful, wondrous work.

Listen to “hong kong” below.