Planivaar is the first act to have material released on Split Femur Recordings, a record label devoted to ambient/noise acts. The man behind Planivaar is Mark Lippett, a Staffordshire-based musician whose music drifts between guitar, synth and samples.
'The Yellow Square' initially seems to be one of the most unassuming records ever heard. Listeners will probably reach for the volume control just to make sure these quiet pieces are audible; the first few tracks drifting by in the manner of Icelandic act Múm but without the distinctive childish voices. Then the fourth track 'Hope' enters the fray with some pleasant chime-like effects, it is followed by 'Ghosts' an appropriately haunting minimal piece even considering the toy samples that are thrown in. 'Square Pegs' possibly provides the standout moment; at its core is a lovely acoustic melody, embellished by typically subtle atmospheric effects from Lippett. Throughout, 'The Yellow Square' is never less than a pleasant listen full of warmth, which occasionally shows signs of excellence.