California based producer Lucy in Disguise, aka Steven Romeo, is back with a deluxe and supremely spacey sophomore release entitled “Unknown Frequency!” A fantastic mix of chillwave and dreamwave, with a light peppering funk, listening to this album feels like taking a trip through uncharted space. Behind the crest of each synth’s waveform there is something new to discover.
This compelling LP builds upon the tonal themes of previous releases from Lucy in Disguise but changes the equation just enough to remain fresh and engaging. Still present are the wonderfully warbly synths and unique melodies Lucy in Disguise is known for – but here the voice of each track feels a bit more complex and layered. The trademark funky house feeling has been traded – dialed back just a bit to make room for a larger soundstage – taking this release further into the realm of the ambient genre. The result is an exciting, absorbing mix that feels more like a novel compared to a short story.
Behind the different sound of “Unknown Frequency” you can clearly hear an improvement to the production value – feeling cleaner and more delightfully analog than previous releases. Of course, the previous releases from Lucy in Disguise were already well-produced, so this step-up really takes the music from great to absolutely stellar.
In summation, “Unknown Frequency” feels like a fantastic voyage through the cosmos – with twists and turns to gleaned from multiple listens to each track. Lucy in Disguise has truly given us an fantastic update to his signature sound – an update that changes just enough to remain fresh and new while still satisfying old fans as well. Between the dreamy layered synths and scattered beats lies something awesome waiting to be found.
Top Tracks: “Discovery,” “V.T.W.A. (feat. Laura Claire),” “Unknown Frequency,” and “Interstellar Transmission.”
Bandcamp Link: Unknown Frequency by Lucy In Disguise
