Scarlet Pleasure - Limbo

Stream the Limbo EP here (Spotify)

The rain has stopped, the clouds have parted and, like the sun illuminating the world, Danish group Scarlet Pleasure are shining forth with their marvelous summery EP, Limbo. It is often seeking the light that helps us heal and move on. This collection of songs takes influences from smooth 90s r'n'b, mixes them flawlessly with 80s electro synth, which the lads then give a contemporary sheen that allows their own aesthetic & musical ethos to radiate from every single note of this gloriously addictive set. Like magical wizards, through their music they conjure up sumptuous vibes of balmy summer nights, lying awake with the thoughts of every decision and every sliding doors possibility, and a heartfelt honesty that pulsates through the songs with a searing precision. And like a love potion, their lyrics are a lexicon of sensuous passion, drenched in romantic urges, lingering regrets and fiery desires to make the wishes of their heart a reality. The opening track, the titular Limbo, demonstrates this with compelling ease. It's all delivered with this smoldering hot, icy cool vocal that effortlessly gets to what the heart of the song is about - perhaps more effectively than any visual could accomplish. As the alluring singing coalesces with the scintillating instrumental, it all collides to ensure the entire song trembles with a palpitating longing. That chorus is solid pop gold, an all conquering refrain that poignantly represents the frustrations of being stuck in neutral in a relationship, and the urgency to do something about it. This theme radiates into the next song, the languid Reflection. A stunning track where lead singer, Emil, digs deep with the introspection and portrays an anguished man desperate to save the relationship he believes so fully in. Set to vibrant, almost echoing guitar, the score adds to the sense of the expanse that can be felt between two people who used to be so close. This simmering groove crescendos as the feelings flow from the singing woven so cohesively with the instrumental. The melancholy of "I don't want to be over" saturates every note. Exactly the type of songs to blow the cobwebs from cookie-cutter radio stations and set charts alight across the world.

The mid-point of the EP comes with Deja Vu. It is worth noting that each song on the EP is less than four minutes long. This works well - it focuses the attention on taut emotions, all extraneous detail eradicated (yet the songs never feel rushed, rather they are allowed to breathe at their own pace). It's definitely a love letter to the music of the early 90s when quiet storm r'n'b ruled the radio and Michael Jackson was the undisputed King of Pop - and while there are elements of homage within the sparkling instrumental, it never feels like a carbon copy with a seductive lead vocal & contemporary flourishes to the music that accentuate the bands personalities and highlight their consumate skill in putting together a solid pop hit. There's a shimmering majesty to the track that compels the listener to break out their best dance moves when it comes to the cathartic release of feelings, a vibrant energy that radiates with each successive repeat of that irresistable refrain. In short, it's exactly the type of music you didn't know you've been waiting for, a breath of fresh air that blows away all those EDM cobwebs and brings us something different. Oh, talking of the Jacksons, Sleepover 97 feels like one of Janet's interludes that took her albums from about 9 tracks to twenty. That is no bad thing - plus it flows flawlessly from the thematic narrative of the previous number, as if that story awakened memories of this one. The whole EP actually has a thread that flows from the first song to the last - and this is evidenced as White Rose brings the experience full circle. It boasts a shimmering instrumental that is fueled by a mesmerising guitar and textured with finger clicking beats. The sparse nature of this actually accentuates the lead vocal, whilst clever ad-libs and electro-effects elevate it to giddying new heights. The one constant, other than the theme of loss, introspection and learning, is the band's ability to make memorable refrains, indelible melodies and performances that give nuanced insight into the poetic words that they so eloquently sing. It brings the listener into the music, enriching their own memories and providing an essential soundtrack for the experiences they have yet to happen. Proof that talent will always rise to the top and find its much deserved audience. Now listen, repeat and tell everyone you've ever met - these Scarlets are ribbed for your Pleasure.