Maribou State – ‘Hallucinating Love’ album review: borderline cruel in its escapism
THE SKINNY: The rain hitting the window has never sounded louder than it does when listening to Maribou State’s newest album, Hallucinating Love. I don’t know what cruel label executive decided to release this album at the end of January, but it was a cruel thing to do. One of the most shimmering examples of music in recent times is an excellent listen, but it also leaves you pining for better days.
If you were to lay out the key components that make up the new album by Maribou State, you would find light synths, funky drums and high-pitched harmonised vocals. Without these three things, the record falls flat, and yet the album’s dependence on these three specific elements of music doesn’t become repetitive, either. Every track sounds individual, even if they come together to make one solid piece of work.
The record’s tone is optimistic, light-hearted, and demands sunshine. This is a summer album, if ever one existed, as the sound alone is almost enough to give you a tan. It lacks depth somewhat, but an album like this wasn’t made to be theorised about or picked apart; it is merely supposed to be enjoyed and danced to. In that sense, it is the perfect record, and very little could be changed.
As the weather stays freezing and signs of sunshine are still sporadic, the escapism embedded within Maribou State’s newest record will have to suffice until spring. It’s an enjoyable album that promises better days.
For fans of: Dancing in the sun, if the sun is a kitchen light on a cold January evening.
A concluding comment from your local weatherman: “It’s a 90% chance of funk.”
Hallucinating Love track by track:
Release: January 31st | Producer: Maribou State | Label: Ninja Tune
‘Blackoak’: If optimism could be bundled up and pushed through a speaker, it would sound like this. The bass is heavy; it almost doubles up as a kick drum with the authority with which it’s plucked. The strings and synth in the background help you ascend, and the layered vocals add a euphoric atmosphere to the whole track. The perfect start to such a fun and upbeat album. [4/5]
‘Otherside (featuring Holly Walker)’: A much more upbeat and hurried track, but still laced with shimmering instrumental and vocals that are equal parts uplifting and energising. Holly Walker provides great depth to the song, as her vocals dance on top of the instrumental as if the two were made for each other. [3.5/5]
‘II Remember’: Surf rock-inspired guitar rides over disco-style chords. The feeling imposed by such a song is almost cruel to listen to in the dead of winter, as it’s a sound begging for beaches, warm days and cold drinks. For now, it’s escapism. A cruel and twisted piece of escapism. [3.5/5]
‘All I Need’: The chord progression on what is an eloquent track borders on gospel. It has to be said that the structure implemented on the track is bold for an outfit that thrives with funk and feeling, as equal parts of minimalism and maximalism are adopted throughout the song. It pays off, though, as even in the quiet moments occupied by lone vocals or a standing chord sound, it keeps the listener hooked. It’s a much more layered track than a lot of other songs you hear that dabble in this style of music. [4.5/5]
‘Dance On The World’: Another upbeat and dance-ready song. The instrumentation is funky, the vocals are funky, and it’s a hard song to not let your toe start tapping. It might not be as much of a stand-out as some of the other tracks on the record, but it’s still great fun to listen to. [3/5]
‘Bloom’: The song begins with vocals, high-pitched, delicate and blossoming. The instrumentation follows a similar path, as the sound is undeniable, and yet it’s so delicate it seems almost as if it’s imposing slightly by making noise in the first place. It’s a lovely song to listen to, and this contradicting feeling of upbeat and funky, yet pulled back and delicate, is a great pocket to sit in. [3.5/5]
‘Peace Talk’: It’s worth saying that all of the vocal performances on this record, whether they take the lead or merely act as another instrument, are good. They complement the music well and elevate the album. However, ‘Peace Talk’ is where we hear them at their most dominating. The lead vocals are varied, powerful, and rich, and they are wonderfully easy to get lost in. [4/5]
‘Passing Clouds’: One of the more ambient songs on the album. ‘Passing Clouds’ is made up of strings, synth and brass. There is percussion present, but it takes a back seat as these dominating sounds come together and create their very own atmosphere. It’s a nice break, yet it follows a tone and theme that stays true to Hallucinating Love’s style. [3.5/5]
‘Eko’s’: A 4/4 beat, easy to nod to, and a range of plucking synth sounds, hard to pinpoint but fun to hear. This sounds primed and ready to be used as a montage in a classic sci-fi movie. [3.5/5]
‘Rolling Stone’: The album ends in the best possible way that it can. While the vocals on the record are wonderful, there is no escaping the fact that the instrumentation is the real stand-out. This drawn-out song consisting of shimmering synths and dream-like pop is a great outro. [4/5]
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