FAINT WAVES

It’s not an understatement to say that Joe Morris has been building a world of deep and beautiful Chillout music for years, both inside and outside his label, Shades Of Sound Recordings. His latest offering comes in the shape of Shades Of Summer Volume Two, a successor to Shades Of Summer Volume One, both of which are various artist compilations that feature selections of pristine, mellow, and often groove-worthy music. These descriptors perhaps don’t do the releases justice, as they contain a wide breadth of sounds; the various songs featured often drawing on Ambient, Downtempo, House, and New Age influences. These elements and motifs often culminate in a “Balearic” vision, in the sense that this is music coming from many disparate places, and yet coming together to form something singular and evocative. To paraphrase Joe’s own words when he described volume one, this is a selection of hand-picked tracks from artists around the globe that perfectly encapsulate the vibe of the summer. From hazy daytime chillers to warm twilight thrillers, there is something here to soundtrack the simmering sound of summer.

Right out of the gate is one of the most beautiful and ethereal dance numbers I’ve heard in some time; it’s from Sydney-based electronic artist, Mooglepuff. Mooglepuff’s “Subtropic Vision” offers up Dream House anthemics, it’s a sunset groover that’s buoyed by shimmering pads, new age flutes, and piano riffs. I defy you not to get lost in the uplifting euphoria this track brings. There’s a 90’s-ism that she’s captured here that’s hard to put your finger on, but one that I welcome, and one that I’m hearing more and more of in this modern era of underground (and aboveground) music. There’s something so evocative about the chords in this song, that they may even bring to mind Trance anthems of yesteryear, we’re dealing with that level of hypnotic dance floor transcendentalism. Songs like this one make it even more the honor that I myself am featured on this very compilation.

Where “Subtropic Vision” left off with flutes and synthetic bird sounds, my song picks up. We didn’t plan that, no, merely serendipity and good taste on Joe’s part with the track list. My song, “Windward Dream”, is a nature-ridden, downtempo drift-along. Ocean waves and bird sounds serve as the backdrop for Shoegaze-tinged synth pads, fretless bass, shakuhachi, and New Order-inspired guitar licks. All this eclecticism, meanwhile, is carried by a beat that was informed by Chris Rea’s “The Blue Cafe”. It’s an amalgam of my influences and I think it even vaguely touches on some of the work I was doing 7 or 8 years ago. I was very happy to be contacted for this compilation, honored to contribute, and thrilled to sit alongside so many talented purveyors of mellow music.

Next up is Pleasure Voyage with “Endless Days”, a chilled House number that’s sure to prove a reliable tool in countless mixes to come. I haven’t made a mix in about three years, but it certainly reminds me of tracks I’ve utilized in the past. This song immediately put me in mind of Max Essa and some of the work that’s appeared on his Jansen Jardin label. There’s a deep, organic feel to the rhythm section; the low end is balanced well with waterphone-like flourishes, faux bells, and squelching synthesizers. Much like Mooglepuff’s track too, Pleasure Voyage offers up some nice piano riffs that top-line the song nicely at various intervals. “Endless Days” is very fluid, constantly in motion in a way that will keep you engaged, right until the hi-hat draws its final breath at the end of the track.

“Ocean Dreams” by Lucky Sun is the track that follows, and the title for it is apt, as the song immediately begins with an ocean backdrop, complete with distant birds (I’m sensing a theme here). The music proper begins with a glassy pad that ebbs and flows over the waves, while a soft beat keeps us afloat for the jazzy synthetics to come. There’s a Paul Hardcastle sort of soundscape happening here, with muted flute theatrics over bubbling synths. It’s an interesting track, deep in it’s Downtempo delivery, while also drawing on shades of Acid and vapor-tinged Muzak. Balearic to be sure, perfect for sun-up or sun-down on a terrace.

At the halfway point, we have Desert Island Disco with “Te Revoir (Balearic Mix)”. Fresh off their recent Shell Beach release on Shades Of Sound, Desert Island Disco is back with yet another smashing slice of sunset music. “Te Revoir (Balearic Mix)” finds Desert Island Disco enmeshed in Dream House and Piano House motifs, complete with piano hits, brilliant vox samples (both speaking and singing), and sine wave meanderings. As you may recall, I enjoyed “El Continental” off their Shell Beach release, and I’m happy to report that much of what I liked there can be heard here as well; the London-based project has yet to disappoint me with their brand of diverse electronic music.

Perhaps the most clear-cut dance number on the whole release, Midnight Mystery Club brings a bass-heavy beach club joint to the party with “A Church In Ibiza”. With pitch-shifted diva vox in the background, a strong four-on-the-floor kick, and densely layered percussion; the song modernizes a few of the recurring elements we’ve seen thus far while still having a unique identity of its own with its accordion-like synth leads and pseudo-pizzicato synth arps. This track is sure to have crossover appeal between multiple age demographics, given the EDM energy at its core, while the melodically inclined nature of it will keep even the eldest of statesmen intrigued.

ZAL’s “Simple & Easy” is a sped-up serving of digital Lounge music that, with the right touch remixing it, could easily become a Samba or Bossa Nova tune. With a strong electric piano and clear bassline proving to be the stars of the song, the number has a definite Deep House presence. This track would be at home heard in a Chillout room, a sauna, or even a fashion outlet. You might have even heard similar songs in vintage fighting games, think of training stages or character select screens. This is a song that rewards multiple listens; as it’s deceptive in its composition, you’ll notice new things and find more to enjoy with each successive listen.

The musician and label head himself, Joe Morris, joins the fold and picks up where ZAL left off, introducing a subtly distorted electric piano of his own at the front of his track. Joe’s “Liquid Sky” is typical fare for the seasoned professional, and that’s by no means a bad thing. A brilliant Acid-tinged bassline, Enigma-like percussion, Italian House pianos, and a high synth string build to create a classic Joe Morris joint. All of these elements culminate and breakdown into an electric piano jaunt that Air themselves would’ve been proud to play, before the track settles and slowly but steadily returns to its dense and layered origins. What I’ve oft-admired about Joe is his ability to build and layer his songs in both a structurally sound and beautifully intricate fashion, keeping the listener locked in and carried along on a Chillout odyssey.

Then comes Nicolas Kotowicz with “Ce Soir”. Nicolas tugs on the Dream House thread once more with vintage dance percussion, beautiful female spoken word vocal samples, electric piano chords, and what sounds like a possible D-50 patch doing some work. A lovely track with a strong identity, classic in its sound and delivery. To paraphrase Mister T. Edits and what they had to say about Nicholas’ work, it’s hard to thread the needle in such a fashion, but Nicholas manages to strike a near-perfect balance between constructing a laid-back atmosphere and creating an irresistible urge to dance. A song like this immediately takes me back to something like “Paradise” by Quadrophenia. Classic, late 80’s, early 90’s flare.

Last but not least, Joe returns, this time in collaboration with Tomas Malo. Joe and Tomas join forces to become Acolyte, their shared dance project. The duo end Shades Of Summer Volume Two with a sultry club tune entitled “Shame”. Deep, dense, mellow, and sensual at times; this is an evening dance tune if I’ve ever heard one. Dusk, even. With it’s classic disco diva vocals, sharp percussion, and gritty bassline, it’s hotter than July and perfect for bringing the night to a close. The aforementioned reason makes it a perfect album closer, taking all that came before and leaving the listener with a quiet (if not sleazy) exclamation point.

Shades Of Summer Volume Two is out now on Bandcamp and Spotify (in addition to all other major platforms).