Hardly anyone with an interest in electronic music could fail to understand the enthusiasm for the debut of Kiasmos. The press and public sang the duo’s praises, and their label – Erased Tapes – experienced unprecedented hype. Looking back, it’s no surprise: Even today, the delicate synth textures, shiny chrome beats, and string arrangements of “Kiasmos” (2014) are a listening pleasure of rare quality. Now, almost exactly ten years later, comes their follow-up, “II”, which leaves no doubt that the enormously high expectations for this laconically titled second album were justified. Once again, Janus Rasmussen and Ólafur Arnalds evoke the dreamlike landscapes of Iceland as well as the feeling of having gained a profound insight into both becoming and passing away. Melodic microhouse blurs with ambient and downtempo, dipping beneath cool neoclassical structures to provide warmth as an ultra-modern elixir of sound. This is electronic music for romantics and nature lovers.