Blair French - Patio Pastels - another in a year full of great Balearic releases (NuNorthern Soul)
2017, Blair French came out of hibernation to release contrasting but similarly sun-kissed EPs on Rocksteady Disco and Claremont 56. Here, he returns to action with a scintillatingly sunny and sensual six-tracker on NuNorthern Soul that may well be his strongest release to date. On Patio Pastel, French is in full on sand-between-the-toes Balearic mood, delivering a range of lucid, ear-pleasing compositions that will sashay their way into your consciousness. Throughout the EP, French mixes electronic and acoustic instrumentation, drawing together musical elements from a myriad of styles to create sumptuous new fusions. It’s particularly evident on superb closer “Belle Isle Sunsets”, where colourful synth motifs, eyes-closed guitar riffs and Mediterranean-warm chords wrap themselves around a gently pulsating, impressively layered groove. Like the rest of the EP, it’s perfectly pitched, expertly executed and wonderfully atmospheric. All songs written and produced by Blair French Vocals written by Stephanie Leon and Kasi Seguin Musicians: Schuyler Campbell (Keys) songs 3, 5, 6 Jamiel Dado (Guitar, Bass) songs 2, 3, 4 Michael Jurczak (Guitar) songs 1, 3, 6 Ryan Spencer (Guitar) song 6
