Released: September 22, 2023

Genre: Electronic

From: UK

Label: Hyperdub Records

Why you should listen: Loraine James’ new album is an extraordinary journey into the mind of one of the most innovative producers making music today. After loving 2021’s Reflection and 2022’s Building Something Beautiful For Me, it was natural I’d be super excited to hear that she was releasing a new album. Gentle Confrontation is a stunning body of work, drawing influences from her teenage years into a project that is colourful, gentle, and emotionally vulnerable.

The intense yet stunning self-titled opener sets the tone with powerful and grandiose synth leads, with frantic drumming throughout. “Let U Go” featuring KeiyaA is an early standout on the album. The beautiful key melodies, the singing and the slow groove make this an incredibly catchy track. “Déjà vu” with RiTchie of Injury Reserve is another incredible track, with a captivating piano melody, behind dynamic and off-kilter drumming. The change in tempo and melody throughout keeps the track engaging. “Prelude of Tired of Me” is a high-energy track with Loraine James singing throughout. Her somewhat monotonous vocal performance is found sprinkled throughout the album, and quite often. “Glitch the System (Glitch Bitch 2)” is an example of this, but the drumming and pace of this one is incredible. The live drumming on “I DM U” is exceptional, while the uplifting melody of “One Way Ticket To the Midwest (Emo)” featuring Corey Mastrangelo is beautiful too, and that sample, the drums, the loop of “Cards with the Grandparents” is next-level sonic innovation. The cacophony and vocals on “While They Were Singing” featuring Marina Herlop are powerful. The techno-esque pulse of “Try For Me” featuring Eden Samara is infectious. Loraine James’ singing on “Tired of Me” is emotive and reflective, while “Speechless” with George Riley is vocally stunning, with gentle and gorgeous piano melodies. “Disjointed (Feeling Like a Kid Again)” has these gorgeous synths and emotive singing from Loraine, while the infectious electronic grooves of “I’m Trying to Love Myself” are incredible and futuristic. “Saying Goodbye” is a stunning emotive closer featuring vocals from Contour. A sublime voice that sounds soothing and reflective over the gentle soundscape and beat.

The level of innovation and futuristic sonic vision that Loraine James displays on Gentle Confrontation is just mesmerising, and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough!

The album: