Mansionair
Shadowboxer
Liberation
Mansionair proves with their long anticipated debut LP, Shadowboxer, that good things really do come to those who wait. Many songs on this LP are familiar as it has been three years in the making, with several tracks in that time receiving critical acclaim, including a Grammy nomination.
The Aussie trio have nailed an extremely well-crafted, retrospective, and soul-stirring journey that sounds as if The xx and James Blake indulged in ecstasy and decided to teach us about love. It’s a mix of poignant lyrics, dreamy vocals, addictive beats, and exquisite electronics, with a touch of surreal melancholy that makes you want to hit repeat.
After opening with a 13-second ethereal intro entitled Est, it smoothly glides straight into the upbeat, vibe changing, electronic heavy, Alibi. Technicolour is destined to be a crowd pleaser with its anthem-like quality, lightened mood and smokey vocals delivered by Jack Froggatt.
Astronaut remains the standout track: delicate electro-pop across a honeyed soundscape. The 30 million streams Astronaut has accumulated proves it resonates with the masses.
Violet City surprises by sampling Mongolian throat singing successfully without it sounding too experimental or pretentious, somehow creating a magical layered original vibration.
The beauty sits in the subtlety of this album; it has the undercurrent of a film score in that it is so psychologically charged and invoking of feeling, that it creates imagery in your mind. It is a soul mover that is magically crafted and saturated in emotional weight.
The androgynous vocals teamed with beautifully smooth textures have the ability to move the listener while creating an effortlessly relaxed, chilled atmosphere. The perfect breakfast album.
It’s easy to forgive the wait when the result is so beautiful but please Mansionair, don’t leave us hungry that long again for a follow-up.
SARA WHITE
