Books gifts us an infectious groove with ‘Stoned Love’, a perfectly formed impression of golden era soul and disco, a brilliant after hours party track with just the right amount of contemporary touches.
The insatiable bassline sets the tone atop the bustling background, as the tender vocals of The Supremes coerce even the doubtful to slide in. Great attention is paid to the pace here, and with a gripping effect, stretched horns and vocal edits pierce the gaps when the bass riff drops out, both creating breathing space and wonderfully sweet tension, as well as tasty opportunities for swift selectors.
Books has emerged from West London, which has a bit of a history in this kind of dancefloor orientated soul and, even when effortlessly introducing some brazen 808 parts, the magic of the original sound is not lost. ‘Stoned Love’ is beyond an edit and yet so faithful, and exactly what we need to hear more of.
Do // Love is out 6th May and available from the XVI Records Bandcamp.
