Frederik Valentin's solo project exudes beguiling strangeness.

The double album Hello Exit Harmony/Before F After C immediately stands out as one of 2012’s more curious releases. On the first disc, Hello Exit Harmony, Complicated Universal Cum mastermind Frederik Valentin presents an interesting take on krautrock inspired instrumentals that never veer too far away from their main figures. Everything is effectively repetitive but only after time; this is far from immediate music. Valentin switches gears for Before F After C, introducing vocals and playing up the shoegaze element that was lightly dusted over bits and pieces of Hello Exit Harmony.

Before F After C is a more enticing affair on both first listen and after several repeated listens. Its lone drawback is that its climactic moments are so perfect it makes the surrounding moments pale in comparison. When Valentin figures out how to strike a balance between the two, this promises to be an astounding project.