Liquideep – Fabrics Of The Heart
Liquideep have already risen like a rocket to the very top thanks to their sweetly sincere and acutely melodic approach to deep house. The duo’s tune “Fairytale” was an absolute sensation, cutting through the clutter of fabricated pop and straight into the mainstream with its rich hooks and striking chorus.
Now Liquideep are solidifying their status as the hottest house crossover act in the country with the gorgeously soul-stirring ‘Fabrics Of The Heart’ album, their official artist debut album following a mix contribution to the Platinum-selling ‘House Afrika Sessions’ CD.
“Fairytale” was a fairytale success for singer/songwriter/producer combo Ziyon and Ryzor: getting played out on every major radio station in South Africa, being selected for inclusion on the prestigious ‘Now’ series and garnering a SAMA nomination for Song Of The Year.
But if there were any suggestions that “Fairytale” was a lucky one-off, they’re immediately erased by this album’s opening track (and first single), “Angel”, which has a chorus that’s every bit as catchy and singalong as its predecessor. Amazingly though, it’s just the start of what genuinely sounds like a greatest hits collection, with attractive chords and sumptuous vocals constantly slipping and sliding around a cleverly segued mix.
Essentially ‘Fabrics Of The Heart’ is a collection of charming love songs – albeit ones that ride supple beats and propulsive basslines; ones that are definitively situated in an ultra-modern setting: the world of status messages, smart phones and instant messaging. The sentiments may be timeless, but the delivery is futuristic – and altogether club- and radio-friendly.
Liquideep’s debut is so thoroughly focused it’s hard to imagine hearing a more coherent musical statement in 2010, but it also manages to combine harmony and atmosphere with clubland electricity. And if this isn’t enough to have you salivating, it ends with a beautiful downtempo reprise of “Fairytale” – a happy ending for sure!
This though is just the start of Liquideep’s assault on the senses of South African listeners – and their stimulation of the pleasure centres of the nation’s dancers. ‘Fabrics Of The Heart’ is the most compelling selection of love songs with liquid beats you’ll hear for some time to come. Eagerly-awaited, it surpasses expectations (and everything else on the market) by a fair margin.
Fabrics of the heart was originally released in May-2010, and then re-released in July 2011 under Mentalwave with the inclusion of ‘Still’ as a bonus track. The album has since sold multi-platinum (multi-diamond) status.