Michael Mayer - Mantasy artwork by Wolfgang Voigt

Link: Kompakt

The long awaited album by, Kompakt boss, Michael Mayer has just been released - a whole eight years since his Touch long-player. The artwork for Mantasy - as it is titled - has been created by Kompakt co-founder Wolfgang Voigt; an individual known for making his own music while operating under guises such as Mike Ink, Centrifugal Force and Gas.

Incorporating collaged vintage details, it relies on the kind of glitchy digital manipulation that was previously seen on Voigt's 'For The Love of God' release. Additionally, two deluxe vinyl editions have been made available that both rework the cover art as a repeat pattern on a 35" x 35" silk scarf. The two available options are 'Golden Cherub' and 'Blue Cherub'. For those less flamboyant fans, it is also available on CD and download.

 

Gatekeeper - Exo artwork, environment and font by Tabor Robak

Link: Tabor Robak
Link: Hippos In Tanks

Following acclaimed releases from the likes of Grimes, James Ferraro and Laurel Halo, the always intriguing Hippos In Tanks label now readies the debut long-player from, New York-based duo, Gatekeeper.

Exo, as it's titled, is accompanied by collaborative visual work from Tabor Robak that extends further from a simple packshot to include a custom-made downloadable font and an immersive, first person gaming environment. The whole utopian sci-fi/techno-fetishism aesthetic might work for many [personally, I prefer the more organic and abstract digital fantasies of artists like Konx-om-Pax in addition to work including Robak's own 'Rocks' experiments], but the idea of providing something far more innovative than a bundle of MP3s with a thumbnail is always welcome. Especially given that this is genuinely a truly exploratory, multi-sensory project. Out July 17th.

Shine 2009 artwork by Santtu Mustonen

Link: Santtuu Mustonen
Link: Santtuu Mustonen at Hugo & Marie
Link: Expo

Former industrial designer Santtu Mustonen switched disciplines following his experimention with 3D imaging software. His subsequent illustration work for releases by Shine 2009 then demonstrated a real flair for what he has dubbed "slightly moving images": with some beautiful textures and sophisticated colour palettes. And while one of the singles may have featured Paula Abdul, this is far removed from the kind of visual material that would more usually be associated with anyone on the same payroll as Simon Cowell.