Lopazz & Casio Casino Ambient Film Themes Vol. 1

• Words: David Hemingway
• Label: Get Physical
• XLR8R Rating: 7/10

Showcasing highlights from the film/documentary music that Berlin-based producers Stefan Eichinger (Lopazz) and Steffen Neuert (Casio Casino) have recorded for Along Mekong Productions over the last decade, this follow-up to—or, rather, digression from—Lopazz’s debut Kook Kook does what it says on the tin and does so with some panache. Apparently the two producers have recorded around 45 soundtracks, making music in Ecuador, China, Brazil, Lebanon, and Mongolia, but the tracks on this collection are nicely unified by a downbeat ambiance and gentle playfulness. As the "digital album" status might suggest, Ambient Film Themes Vol. 1 is nice rather than necessary—it’s a curio albeit an oft-lovely one.