Description
Following the critical success of last year?s ?Cold Feet? LP, producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist Alek Lee returns to Isle of Jura with his most introspective work to date, the ?Blue Bird? album. Across eight tracks, the Athens-based artist explores what he describes as a "Peculiar state of minds & Dub Orientated Feelings," blending his signature guerrilla style production with deep, organic soul.
The album?s centerpiece and title track, ?Blue Bird? features the haunting vocals of singer-songwriter Keren Ilan. It is a raw, heartfelt exploration of the aftermath of a breakup. The lyrics speak of a "desert heart" and a "loss that grows tall and loud," eventually finding a path toward healing as the "blue bird sings the dawn." Musically, the track is anchored by hazy, sun drenched guitars, a central instrument that weaves a consistent Balearic thread throughout the LP.
The journey through ?Blue Bird? is one of shifting shadows and unexpected textures. ?Treasures? is a standout instrumental, leaning into a grit-flecked, bluesy "twang" reminiscent of Duane Eddy, while ?The Beach Road? sees long time collaborator and ?Shame On Us? bandmate, Yovav, lending his magical bass and guitar work to a track that feels like a slow drive toward the horizon.
Side B shifts the energy toward the dancefloor and the sophisticated leftfield pop of the 80s. ?First Rain? is a subtle house leaning gem underpinned by a kick drum and lush, synth heavy emotive chord progression. ?Thanks to Sade? is a seductive downtempo groove with epic guitar lines shifting through, while ?Remember the Good? brings a subtle reggae skank and a French-influenced organ sound into the mix. The LP comes full circle with a smoked out Dub version of the title track ?Blue Bird?.
A 180 gram pressing in a 3mm spine full colour sleeve and sticker designed by Bradley Pinkerton.
