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Music

Stream Dorian Concept's Excellent New "Joined Ends" LP

We've got you from start to finish on the latest from Ninja Tune

Like many bedroom producers, Dorian Concept AKA Oliver Johnson began his career with a MicroKorg and a Myspace profile. That's about where the similarities end, though. A Red Bull Music Academy fellowship followed, then a record deal with Ninja Tune, and finally a spot as Flying Lotus' touring keyboardist. Suddenly Johnson was a long way from his bedroom in Vienna.

Perhaps that's why his upcoming Joined Ends LP finds Dorian Concept looking inwards more than ever before. The release is the bravest departure of his career – it finds him moving away from beat-driven sonics and towards the emotive and the analogue. From the feelsy swells of "Ann River, MN" to the understated umph of "Draft Culture," the album flits between the electronic/organic divide with a muted joy and a flair for evocative tones. We affectionately refer to Dorian's specific style as 'sadboy pop for the secretly dosed.'

Further, the record manages to be as expansive as it is focused. In our single-centric, perpetual banger-town of an electronic music climate, to listen to such a record from beginning to end is a pleasure. So when those year-end accolades come calling, just remember you heard it on THUMP first (and second, and third).

Check out our interview with Dorian Concept from September.