Rating: NNN
The debut album from house/techno producers Jamie Jones, Luca C and Lee Foss and singer Ali Love arrives on the heels of records by Daft Punk and Disclosure that proved it’s possible to make crossover music without compromising artistic and production quality.
Different Sides Of The Sun looks back to warmly melodic Chicago house and minimalist Detroit techno of the late 80s for inspiration, but it emphasizes lyrically led tracks. Incorporating analog percussion and instrumentation over satisfyingly thick grooves, Hot Natured compose an intergalactic soundscape for soulful hooks and R&B-style staccato singing.
It’s hard to find fault with the pristine production, but at 15 songs, the LP’s lyrics, focused on simple, visceral delights, start to feel one-note. Fortunately, a few guests switch up the mood. Azari & III singer Starving Yet Full’s gritty turn on People Change adds some much-needed rawness, and Róisín Murphy brings her cool complexity to the standout Alternate State.
Top track: Alternate State
