Lucas SM - Limerence

11 Dec

The 12th release from the Catalonian outfit Noise Pollution Recordings is impossible to sleep on. Exquisite atmospheres are on full display in the new release from Lucas SM, Limerence (2023). Lucas SM's crafts three distinct yet connected works. We see excellent use of sample manipulation coupled with euphoric synthesises.

Beginning the journey is 'Lucent', an astonishing piece as light as air. Lucas manages to conjure up such vivid and vibrant images through sound. The jittering chords flow effortlessly, imparting visions of bouncing light hitting city high-rises and cascading downwards to the pavement. Angelic pads float delicately while humming bases create moments of euphoria.

Switching things up in 'Within A Touching Distance' and focusing more on percussive grooves and bass weight. Lucas has a clear understanding of space. Sparse kick drums keep rhythm while allowing space for the more melodic elements. Throughout, there are nods to the future garage genre. Lucas opts for affected vocals, soft Reese basses and glitchy percussion. What really catches the ear is the enormous emotional weight. The use of swirling pads creates mini crescendos throughout.

Closing out the EP is 'Jurong', a drum and bass-influenced track, minus the drums. It shapes up to be the most heartbroken on the record. Sombre bells and haunted vibrations carry the weight of the track along with bass that sounds more like a tragic Wale song. Only the slightest chattering of rim shots and snares adds rhythm to make 'Jurong' the most cinematic cut.

Andrae Durden, Pluralist, and Syz join the party, bringing with them three fabulous remixes. Durden recontextualises 'Lucent', capitalising on the latent bouncy nature and trans adjacent synthesisers. Putting more focus on the vocals and whipping up a frenzy through quick hip-hop and electronica-enthused beats. Syz takes 'Within A Touching Distance' and warps into one of the grooviest club tracks. Subtle splashes of UK funky or all over this mix, and Syz baseline manipulation is second to none. Finally, Pluralist knocks out of the park with a weightless rendition of 'Within A Touching Distance'. Again, the vocals become the centrepiece, only this time the modulate in symmetry with the rest of the cut. It must be said this is one of the highlights. Overall, it's an absolutely outstanding record full of ones to watch. The EP delves into all sorts of genres, bringing out the best of each. It drives away from derivativeness through unique sound design and unconventional energies, particularly in the expressive range Lucas SM navigates.

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