As the days draw longer, that familiar realisation gradually begins to bloom in the back of our minds: summer is coming! What use would summer be without a fresh batch of house music to raise the spirits and beckon for warmer climes? Fortunately, Leon Revol is here to deliver the goods. The Bordelais producer’s new EP on Secret Reels fits sunshine like a tailor made suit (but at a fraction of the price tag). Astral Plane EP is chock full of warm groovers with all the subtle complexity of a fine French wine. If you loved Duke Hugh’s Rhythm Section release, then you are in the right place.
On the title track, synthesised arpeggios and stabs a la Floating Points weave nimbly in and around languid guitar chords. Down in the sub 200hZ region a driving bassline shuffles insistently, like a tired runner drawing sharp breaths. All this is executed with the precision and flawless timing of a more seasoned producer. One of the great ironies of music production is that appearing effortless is usually the result of meticulous craftsmanship. Luckily for us, Leon Revol is more than up to the job.
Astral Plane EP is out now – buy from Juno.
