Hercules And Love Affair The Change EP Skint Records | The Electro Review

Hercules And Love Affair
The Change EP
Skint Records
TBR: 1st November


After a long haul session of touring in which Hercules And Love Affair creates live reruns of all the favourite techno tracks, it's about time something new was put on the table. Andy Butler and producer Alec (Second) Storey combine their musical talents once more in the studio to create The Change EP. Change, the single and video, is out now and linked at the end. What it wants to say is “Expect New Things”, musical partnerships naturally progress as each member expands on their talent arsenal in their own direction. Keeping things fused and together perhaps owes thanks to the continual performances these two have been a part of. The release features the new track, of course, as well as three more. These well-known titles have been admirably remixed into something new, demonstrating how the now matches up to what came before it.


It begins with a bouncy drum rhythm. Deep and twangy percussion resonates in a calm sequence as a vocal sample works its way forward. Random phonics rhythmically chant over the beats as a whistling synthesiser enters with a melody. New drums find their way in, quick tapping snare and shaker create a waving ocean of solid percussion. Chiming bell synths add another layer of quality, like sheets along a neatly folded display, harmonies and tone resonances compliment one another. Vocals become more apparent, lyrics replace the rhythm sounds as trumpets start blurting their uplifting vibe. Raise Me Up (Featuring Anohi) gets a funky and leftfield make-over with this Hercules 2019 Remix.


A groovy combo of shakers, snare, and deep bass create the opener for Change. A curling tubular melody creates another angle to the shape before blips combine with a vocal line about changes. Sporadic and intermittent beeps swing on the sides of consistent and thorough beats. Lyrics begin to create a harmonising melody while a progressive element in the mix creates ever more inclusivity. We're drawn in as the rhythms repeat in hypnotic phrases. Chording warble notes span out in a madman flavoured spiralling dance as lyrics continue to keep us attentive. It breaks down to simpler layers before slowly finding pace and building once more.


A catchy bass driven rhythm opens for the next track. Alongside the rapid fire beats of kick come metallic slap sounds that add an industrial edge. New rhythms poke through, adding yet more teeth to the rotating cog of music. Dancing paced and full of emotive effects, sultry lyrics begin to craft a smooth enchantment across the groove. Crunchy rhythms and deep, sudden bass-lines give a digging feeling to the mix while skyward notations and poetic lyrics continue to spin the beautiful threads of silken vibe. Krytsle Warren adds a powerful energy to My Offence which gets mechanised and welded with new confident vigour.


Finally, we get a soulful vocal on its own. Harmonising elements raise the phrases before sloshy metalwork begins to underpin the intent. Repeating lyrics and sections of cymbal percussion give way to a deep bassline, decisive and exploratory. The vocals open to bring more words and tuneful bursts of voice. Harmony and rhythm work together while keyboard fills bring percussive notes into a new area of adventure. Extremely catchy and with an upbeat sense of optimism, Are You Still Certain (Featuring Mashrou Laila) again gets a new injection of energy to close this accessible and striking record.

You can catch up with Hercules And Love Affair on their website

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