- Lobster Theremin haven't said much about their plans for new offshoot label Distant Hawaii. Judging by the romanticism of its name and first release, from Manchester producer and Dirt Crew alumnus Hidden Spheres, it seems a good bet that it'll play host to sun-kissed, ethereal fare. Anyone who caught The Bloos, Hidden Spheres' first solo EP from earlier this year, will know what to expect: sensuous, jazzy atmospheres dappled with Rhodes notes and the pitter-patter of drums straight from a Caribbean beach. Percussion underpins all four cuts, positioning the EP in a sweet spot halfway between the club and a smoky lounge.
The first three tracks stick a little closer to the latter environment, with the glowing piano notes, dusty tape hiss, vocal motif and padded kicks of "Waiting." The slapping, discordant percussion in "Upsn Down" has an almost abrasive feel by comparison. "Be A Man" kicks off with a thudding kick pattern before it relaxes into the EP's most laid-back, humid moment. "Bill Loves You" is a good deal more floor-ready, but uses similar ingredients to get there. Its unhurried, twanging build-up and kinetic vocal loop highlight a solid opening gambit for Distant Hawaii.
TracklistA1 Waiting
A2 Upsn Downs
B1 Be A Man
B2 Bill Loves You