Album Reviews

Ninja Tune

Under his Romare pseudonym, Archie Fairhurst has built a reputation as a wildly creative and highly innovative producer over just a small number of releases. His second LP, Love Songs: Part Two, charts his artistic development in an even more expansive and varied declaration than we have seen from him before. His sound has developed on from the sample-heavy, sound collage approach of his debut LP Projects and moved into a more organic direction that involves much more of his own instrumentation. That spirit of sampling still influences this record, but the ideas are more stretched out and expanded upon with the use of Fairhurst’s own bass, piano, guitar and synth parts. He expertly weaves together elements of Jazz, Disco, Rock, Hip-Hop, Folk, House, Blues, Funk and Psychedelia to create a hugely expansive and unpredictable soundscape. The result is an album bristling with a bustling, colourful energy but that is also able to lock into long, drawn-out and addictive, dubbier grooves. His evolving style sees him able to build more patiently, allowing the record to swell in intensity at desired moments.

Playful yet sharp and focused, Love Songs: Part Two moves effortlessly through tempos, moods and tones without ever losing purpose and momentum. Bold, bright and full of personality, the whole record shimmers with a beguiling eccentricity and intrigue. Highly confident and distinctive throughout, Love Songs: Part Two cements Romare’s reputation as one of electronic music’s most exciting and individual artists.

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All Night, Come Close To Me, Who Loves You?

9/10