Live Review: GL's secret third member Haima takes 'Destiny/Reflect' into atmospheric territory
Electronic funk duo GL are purveyors of nostalgic elements who reshape them for modern ears. Their recent double A-sided 12",'Destiny/Reflect' delivered just that, with both tracks blending funk, pop and electronica in a way that only they can. Working alongside the duo was their producer Haima Marriott, who's worked on a number of their releases and helped shaped their live show. In their grand tradition of releasing remixes and dubs with the help of producer pals, GL has finally linked up with their beloved producer HAIMA to take these soulful tunes into new atmospheric territory.
Where the original tracks are punchy and dense with vocals and synths, these dubs strip the elements all the way back. Background elements like the finely composed disco inspired percussion lines and filler chords and melodies take centre stage across Haima's dubs. Both tracks feel like alternate versions of the originals, but instead of being made for singalongs and grooving along, they're made to soothe and warm you.
'Reflect' sits at the same BPM as the original but feels far more subdued and stripped back. Focussing on the cowbells and bongos of the percussion and funky bassline, this dub highlights the interplay of the drums and chords over the vocals. Samples of the ocean and splashing water bring a calming energy, as sprinklings of the lyrics bring clarity to the echoing synths.
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Where the first track emphasised the production, the 'Destiny' dub highlights the vocals. Chopping phrases from vocalist Ella Thompson and guest harmoniser Jace XL, their vocalisations float into forever drenched in echo and reverb. The heavy chords of the original are stripped back to the rich bassline and a few delicate riffs to really let the dreamy vocals shine.
Haima's dubs move away from the concrete structure of a pop track, taking a more meandering and scenic route to GL's destination. He's taken the tracks to a whole new place, using the same building blocks to create entirely new outcomes. With his ear for the sounds of house, funk and disco, it's no wonder the duo keeps coming back to Haima as GL's unofficial third member.
WORDS BY HOLLY O’NEILL
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