Clueless - Torrid Affairs [L2S050]

[joeki]

So the 50th release on digital L2S label is a full cd by Clueless.

What an insane release this is. It ups the ante for anything considered Future Garage. It is rather simplistic but oh so efficient.
Heavy percussion, murky low-bass lines and bump and flex rhythms. It's melodic side is rather subtle but there to be found and there's the occasional Oris Jay/El-B style heavy bass line in there as well. This album has anything and is both a throwback as well as a look into the future.

I mean, it's such a simple formula and it works so great.
The album starts really great. "Ride With You" excels both in melody and in percussion. That warm synth reminded me of Buscemi even. Second track "Luminosity" again has that warm low-end and combines that with futuristic pads and synths. "The Girl From Croydon" will take u straight back to 2002. Highlight on the release for me is "Reachin" which just has a great vocal sample and melody that has melancholy written all over it.

"Post" is the final highlight for me as it takes Garage into the 21st century. But there really isn't a weak track on this release and it is indeed a fitting 50th celebration for L2S. Great fucking album and a must have for anyone remotely interested in (future) garage. Burial fans might also enjoy this one.

[kaiten]

L2S gets it done again, love the vibes off of this label.