5 out of 5

Label: Fonolith

Produced by: Neil Scrivin

A small compilation of… compilation tracks, Anti Comet Trails seems to prove that the quality of Neil Scrivin’s Phono Ghosts output has never wavered. This specific material especially fascinates because of how it stands out from the album stuff: whereas some artists may logically choose singles to go all-out, blowing out their style to grab stray ears, Neil pulls back on these: the opening title track sports a very casual groove beneath playfully dueling synths; The Water is Yours is a cinematic end credits sequence – a retro sci fi film vibe; Saccharine Splash indulges in some more typical PG cut-up funk; but this is then backed up by the backmasked, bizarro minimal jazz of closer Footprint Tuesday.

A great set whatever way you cut it, but also a fantastic look at the alternative worlds of Scrivin’s Phono Ghosts, perfectly balanced in funk, smoothness, and catchiness.