A Mineral Love

Since 2005, Stephen Wilkinson has forged a unique sound as Bibio—organic synthesis brimming with pastoral secrets. But his eighth record pushes into funkier territory (“Town and Country”, “Light Up the Sky”). He also brings the best out of his guest stars: Gotye sounds magnetically mournful on “The Way You Talk”, which grows from an intimate ballad to an awe-inspiring cathedral of sound, and Wax Stag lends his Beach Boys-indebted harmonies to the refracted synths of “Gasoline and Mirrors”. Still, Wilkinson's trademark remains intact: “Raxeria” is classic Bibio, evoking a chillwave makeover of the Trumpton U.K. TV theme.