Pan American -- 360 Business/360 Bypass -- Kranky Records, 2000

Track Listing

1. Steel Stars
2. Code
3. Double Rail
4. Coastal
5. K Luminate
6. Both Ends Fixed

    Mark Nelson, guitar/vocals for flagship Kranky act Labradford, releases his second CD under the moniker Pan American, "360 Business/360 Bypass". Expanding from his previous release on Kranky records, Nelson provides melodic intricacies from guest appearances.
    This release is a solid work that encompasses a wide range of ambience levels, ranging from jazz undertones to dub tracks, even venturing into an ambient techno in the vein of early 90's Cabaret Voltaire. This release is very ambient at heart, combining solid and dub-based rhythms with thick textured bass and sweeping atmospheres. Light touches of moonlit vocals thick with reverberation and processing nicely compliment the deep textures. This release is genius in its gorgeous combination of layers, genres, and atmospheres.
    Markedly different than his work with Labradford, Pan American is a strong work of art that should not be missed by fans of Reich or Eno, and by any who appreciate and thrive for smooth, thick soundscapes and jazzy undertones.