On his vibey debut album ‘occasions’, SG Lewis was a one-man-disco-machine eager for golf equipment to reopen. For its follow-up, he’s acquired a studio band collectively to construct a report that transcends dancefloors and as an alternative shoots for stadium heights. “I needed to check myself additional and see what I used to be able to,” he instructed NME final 12 months.
Calling on his musician associates to carry out reside keys, bass, and guitar, the London-based artist – who has produced for Dua Lipa and labored with Elton John – made a sensible resolution. Including conventional devices and letting his personal vocal take the lead greater than earlier than, ‘AudioLust & HigherLove’ is a sonic evolution for Lewis; tracks just like the twinkling Daft Punk-ode ‘One thing About Your Love’ and hedonistic Tove Lo-assisted banger ‘Name On Me’, whose refrain is completely paired with laser-like synths and reverb-drenched manufacturing, are made for the bigger venues he can now command.
The vary of genres and influences is wider than earlier than, too: after the curtain rises on the cinematic ‘Intro’, the whooshing ‘Infatuation’ encompasses rock-leaning guitar riffs and psychedelic prospers by means of Tame Impala homage. Early on the ambition of album two is obvious. That’s to not say Lewis’ successful method has been forgotten, and the kaleidoscopic synths, disco tinges and singalong dance-pop choruses of his uplifting first report stay, however with additional layers to raise every part.
Whereas Lewis’ lockdown-landing debut was filled with kitchen disco bangers that nostalgically recalled pre-Covid freedom, however this time round there’s additional emotional depth. Fairly than separating chapters, although, the lust/love dynamic performs out from observe to trace – a intelligent narrative gadget reflecting the vary of feelings that arises from a relationship and its fallout.
The yacht-rock-influenced ‘Lifetime’ was envisioned as a up to date wedding ceremony track. ‘Holding On’, in the meantime, conveys a lustful vacation romance and the blissed-out beachside instrumental ‘Epiphany’ is sort of 9 minutes of trippy leisure; bravely testing consideration spans, it feels like an uninhibited jam session.
Regardless of its upbeat manufacturing, break-up ballad ‘Oh Laura’ sees Lewis divert from his typical dance-pop floorfiller sound, stripping issues again to crashing drums. Having acquired issues off his chest, that readability erupts on the 80s-indebted album spotlight ‘Lacking You’. Then, the uncertainty creeps again in on the unhurried ‘One other Life’, which pairs orchestral strings with acoustic guitar, whereas ‘Trustworthy’ seeks a contemporary begin. Album two demonstrates Lewis’ rising confidence as a frontman within the highlight – lengthy could it proceed.
Particulars
- Launch date: January 27, 2023
- File label: PMR/EMI Information
