Spins: Album reviews

Nicolay – City Lights Vol. 2:Shibuya

Artist: Nicolay
Title: City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya
Label: TFE/Hardboiled
Genre: Electronica/Soul/Experimental

Nicolay is one busy man. The prolific producer behind the Foreign Exchange releases his third project in just over a year, moving away from the hip-hop/soul vibe that he is mainly known for. On City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya, the Dutch beat master crafts a love letter to Tokyo’s Shibuya district and the result is a gorgeous, layered mostly instrumental piece that plays like a soundtrack for city life.

On this eclectic release, Nicolay is free to indulge his free-wheeling love of electronica, which occasionally has popped up on previous release and collaborations. On City Lights Vol. 2 he goes full force displaying a swirl of house grooves, nu-jazz, and downtempo electronica that is as musically complex and emotionally rich as any of the all-vocal albums he has produced. But never fear, there are vocals to be found, with vocalist Carlitta Durand popping up on four tracks spread out throughout the album. The first single “Lose Your Way” drips with urban melancholy with lyrics that speak of finding one’s place in the big city. Yet the album will be most remembered for the sexy house cut “Saturday Night”, a finger-snapping groove that should be getting spins from the world’s best jocks for its catchy lyrics and funky breakdown. On the instrumental tip, the future funk of “Mieji Shrine” is sure to get heads nodding.

For fans of the Foreign Exchange this album may take getting used to, but for fans of Nicolay, this album, with its varied assortment of experimental beats, will be a welcome addition to their collection.

- Norman Mayers

www.myspace.com/nicolay
nicolaymusic.com

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