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Live Review: Old is new again in Love Deluxe's debut EP 'Silk Mirage'

17 August 2017 | 7:25 am | Holly O'Neill

A love letter to the house music and grooves of the 80's and early 90's, 'Silk Mirage' is a stunning 4 track introduction to Love Deluxe.

Sydney's mysterious LOVE DELUXE has emerged recently as a fully realised producer who loves a good concept. Already picking him as one to watch as a Spotlight Artist, we've been blown away by his natural ability to craft house tracks with a nostalgic, tangible feel. Alongside the tunes have been some equally gorgeous visuals, adding to the feeling of transcending time and era by matching classic fashion images to tracks that blend old sounds with modern concepts.

His EP, Silk Mirage, explores this further, bringing tracks together that contrast fuzzy lo-fi samples with crisp drums and an ear for classic synth sounds. Released via Soothsayer, the four track EP (including a funky remix from MOUNT LIBERATION UNLIMITED) is a nostalgia-laden journey that isn't too controlled. Distorted samples and swung beats that hit just off where they're supposed to add another layer of realism to these already believably live tracks.

'Cool Breeze Over The Mountains' is a soothing opener, introducing the lo-fi live sampled sounds that will become more familiar over the EP. The track is a lush showcase of synthesisers, as the melodies echo away and plucks, wobbles and bells weave together.

A lot of this EP is of course inspired by the 80's, but the influence is clearest on the track 'Spice of Life'. Electric guitar plays against swirling nostalgic synths over a classic drum beat and bass line. If you listen closely you can even hear that staple of the era, a saxophone, popping in for a riff or two.

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Wrapping it up with an easy listening tune, the title track is far more laid back; inspiring images of swimmers in speedos and high-cut one-pieces at the beach. Incorporating twinkling chords and bongo drums, 'Silk Mirage' builds a relaxing soundscape by hooking into our nostalgia.

Mount Liberation Unlimited are the perfect artists to put a cherry on top of this EP, with their live jam remix of 'Cool Breeze Over The Mountains'. The Swedish duo improvise over the chords and main line of the original, bringing their own love of classic sounds, old school synths and electric guitar.

A love letter to the house music and grooves of the 80's and early 90's, Silk Mirage is a stunning introduction to Love Deluxe. The attention to detail and meticulous accuracy of the sounds and samples is already impressive. Being able to piece them together in a way that is so true to the time while still feeling current enough for modern dance floors is even more so.

Silk Mirage is out now via Soothsayer.

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