Both Danny Bonnici and Jamie Stevens require no introduction. With a combined 50 years plus of honing their craft they’ve played their part in shaping a sound that is mood-laden, energetic and never derivative. They deliver on that premise by combining for an excellent two track EP that highlights why there is no substitute for experience.
Lead cut ‘Pretty but Lost’ is that rare track, an exquisite journey that feels like the sonic equivalent of reading a fantasy novel. Built on a bed of lush reverb and atmospheric FX, it lays the groundwork for a weighted kick that anchors the listener in reality. Layers of shimmering keys, textured samples, and delicate stabs set the scene for a woozy saxophone to take centre stage.
With the free-flowing energy of a jazz player lost in a moment, the instrument paints a dreamlike story that says more than words ever could. This is a production built for grabbing attention and should find favour with anyone who enjoys their dance music on the cerebral side.
On ‘Bells’, the energy is tempered in a deep pool of warm drums and comforting bass. The percussion flutters softly, accentuating a cascade of sounds and FX that drift in and out with the energy of fond memories. After the bells foment into focus, they ripple through the breakdown like rain on a still pool of water. It’s exquisite progressive music, equally suited to the dancefloor or a quiet moment of daydreaming.
