by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Lawrence Hart enjoyed a roundabout route to his debut album. From the age of five he was learning the piano; fast forward to 15 and he was studying jazz trumpet at SUNY Purchase in New York.

More recently he has explored electronic music writing, supported by close friend and Domino labelmate George FitzGerald. Hart already has an impressive history of releases on labels including Hotflush, Attack Decay Sweet Release and LG105, but now he releases a debut album he describes as an ‘emotional garage record, euphoric and therapeutic’.

What’s the music like?

Hart writes from the heart, you could say – and the result is a record that acts like an exploding sweet. By that I mean that everything on the surface is as it should be – strong production, tight structures, good tunes – but that once you start getting into each track there are clear emotional threads, sudden and euphoric highs, thrilling beats and an approach to music that speaks of pure enjoyment.

Out Of The Rain is excellent, with a real spring in its step and big room hooks, while Just Belong has an equally strong rush. Fucking Mega piles up beats to thrilling effect, while NoMoreLuv4u is a pulsating gem of a groove.

The vocals are often helium-inflected but to really good effect, layered up in the likes of Love U Bring to complement the clipped beats and spacious, big room textures.

Does it all work?

It does. There is no messing about, no padding, just straight ahead musical thrills and a love of dancing. Hart takes in older garage influences but makes it all sound freshly painted.

Is it recommended?

Very much so – thrills and spills to be had on a record full of feeling and positive energy.

For fans of… Jamie xx, James Blake, Wookie, Todd Edwards

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,521 – Saturday 3 May 2025

by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

The music of Andrea Cichecki speaks of the great outdoors, the environment she now calls home having moved after years of city life.

Each of the nine tracks tells a personal story, the music complemented by field recordings made in the Ore Mountains and Saxon Switzerland, designed to further the immersive listening experience.

What’s the music like?

The season of spring courses through Cichecki’s music, which teems with life and hope. The lush textures of A Lost Memory are a case in point, where the warm keyboard sounds build up in layers, melodies swirling towards a greater whole. The lush textures are beautifully managed.

Cichecki uses no drums but generates plenty of momentum on tracks like Choosing Paths and Diffused Reflection Of Yourself, both a hive of activity with melodic loops bubbling up in lively counterpoint. The Edge Effect is the musical equivalent of looking at the bright light of a new morning, with dappled, treble-rich textures.

A Tale Not Everyone Knows is poised and rather beautiful, while the expanse of tracks like Naked Animal and Different Step is enhanced by the field recordings.

Does it all work?

It does. Cichecki’s music has an inner serenity and brightness that give it an immediate appeal.

Is it recommended?

Very much so. This is music to soothe the fevered brow, but through its ambience there is also an inner energy that provides a great deal of positivity. Andrea Cichecki makes music to enhance and energise!

For fans of… Matthewdavid, M83, Julianna Barwick, Ulrich Schnauss, Jon Hopkins

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,514 – Friday 25 April 2025