Let's be clear on this: Nils Frahm writes gorgeous music. Spaces pulls together tracks recorded at more than 30 shows over the past two years. The goal is an album that encapsulates the essence of seeing the young German composer perform live. The pieces (previously unreleased and modified treatments of existing material) range from elegant solo piano workouts through more left-field sound experiments to Frahm's ongoing interest in electronica. Standouts include an extended version of Said and Done that embraces Steve Reich repetition and Erik Satie introspection; and Says, which builds to a striking Apparat-meets-Jon-Hopkins climax. Along the way you'll hear scuffed notes as well as audience coughs and mobile ringtones, emphasising Frahm's occasionally imperfect but intrinsically honest approach to his art. nilsfrahm.com
Download: Says, Said and Done, For-Peter-Toilet Brushes-More