Released on the beloved Melbourne label Butter Sessions, Jennifer Loveless supplies us with “Water,” a highly original dance album produced with the sensibilities of a seasoned DJ and mixed to perfection.
In November, the Melbourne-based producer released the enigmatic “1.5m” track with elements of jazz chords and funk-inspired distortions. “Water,” released on the Melbourne label Butter Sessions, feels like a natural progression from her pandemic release. Jennifer Loveless shows off a more upbeat side with this sophomore release.
Distinctive to her sound in “Water” are the crawling bass lines and swaying guitar licks she uses to create a jam-session mood throughout, and especially in Out/Under, Syzygy (Scissor Me), and Backroll Buddy. These are a collection of five thumping, colorful, and cheeky tracks that emit waves of euphoria and stomping grooves.
“Out/Under” packs a punch in seven minutes. Beginning with smatterings of sonic sweeps and white noise chirps, they get interrupted by a steady, grooving drum rhythm and slithering bass line that escapes 4/4 time. The bass line unexpectedly drops out, and the infectious drum groove continues on confidently. Producing with the sensibilities of a DJ, Loveless makes bold moves in cutting out certain elements or introducing vibrant harmonies to dramatically shift the mood within the same track.
In “Syzygy,” she skillfully controls the energy levels and keeps the listener engaged. A throbbing kick and syncopated, doubled hi-hats drive the track until, suddenly, a nostalgic guitar melody creates space to rest and relax. Bass picks, syncopated snares and hi-hats, and the occasional cymbal crash meld effortlessly. Like a perfectly mixed bowl of granola, these jagged rhythms deliver all the contrasts of sweet and salty, crunchy and smooth one would want in a dancefloor hit.
A highlight of this EP is “Backroll Buddy,” a rollicking ten-minute journey. She sets the tone by folding into the mix the ambient sounds of people talking and socializing at a party. Meanwhile, a soft kick drum sneaks in, interlaced with a soulful house vocal on loop. When the bass line drops, it takes the track to a new groove. Each of these elements simply flirts with the track, never quite committing to the whole thing. Artful uses of gater and fader effects add a sense of lively club energy. In this unique track Loveless restores pre-pandemic club sounds by using sound design to essentially archive those memories into a track.
Loveless establishes a steadfastly eclectic, innovative sound that reminds of Karen Gwyer or rRoxymore. Never a dull moment in this EP, “Water” deserves multiple listens and a spot in your library.
-Lina Xing
Link – Bandcamp
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