Scissor and Thread regular Black Light Smoke returns to the Brooklyn label run by Francis Harris for a mini LP of raw, atmospheric house
Scissor and Thread regular Black Light Smoke returns to the Brooklyn label run by Francis Harris for a mini LP of raw, atmospheric house. The alias of Jordan Lieb, Emmy Award winning composer/producer/musician, Black Light Smoke drops City Life - six tracks of affecting, deep vibes. ‘In Gold’ is rich in analog warmth, a bubbling deep house roller that echoes some of the New York, Detroit and Chicago greats. Title track ‘City Life’ is a stripped down rhythm track, populated with stabs, melodic flourishes, and beautifully arranged pads - as well as a killer vocal. ‘Make My Piece’ is built around a vocal hook and roughneck drum track, before opening up with crunchy percussion and a sick bassline. Next one is ‘Up In This’, starting on a dreamy tip, but exploding into life with Lieb’s signature feel for propulsive rhythms and deep, warm tones. ‘Without You’ is a tougher proposition, using heavy compression and distortion to texture the track, while the digital bonus track ‘Every Beat (No Regrets)’ is a fitting end to the release - a woozy, after-hours come down vibe, wrapping up this journey.