COH has proven himself to be a master of texture and atmosphere. Over several decades and dozens of albums (including collaborations with industrial music legends Coil), he developed a particular way of working with tone – it would be tempting to call his work “minimal,” but that would betray how big his music sounds. And while CoH’s music has never even approached the sphere of dance music, rhythms have always been central to his work. On Return, rhythm takes center stage. Return is some of the most accessible material CoH has ever produced. Make no mistake – all of the richness of tone and mind-bending frequencies he’s known for are on full display. Each track is built around a rhythmic core, and they develop (and decay) in beautiful, compelling ways. The EP reaches its zenith in “Engines of Memories,” a gorgeous, arabesque lament that sounds like Boards of Canada performing from the afterlife, and closes with a completely synthesized cover of “I Feel Love” in the signature COH style. It must be heard to be believed.
Vote: 7,5/10
