Review: London-born, Lisbon-based Leifur James returns with Magic Seeds, his third album and a testament to the transformative power of new surroundings. Leaving behind his established presence in the UK electronic music scene, James sought the luminous inspiration of Lisbon, a move reflected in the album's themes of growth and renewal. Magic Seeds follows two distinct predecessors: his debut, A Louder Silence, a blend of IDM and avant-garde influences, and its remix EP featuring artists like Bruce and FaltyDL; and the more experimental Angel in Disguise, lauded by the dance music press. James also garnered attention with 'Wurlitzer', a striking blend of neo-classical and sub-bass. Magic Seeds is his most personal and collaborative work to date, born from improvisational sessions with drummer Leo Taylor, violinist Raven Bush and producer Oli Bayston. These sessions, inspired by Talk Talk's Spirit of Eden, were later meticulously shaped in Lisbon, resulting in an album that blends organic instrumentation and electronic textures, echoing influences like Massive Attack and Madlib. From the spectral opener 'Smoke in the Air' to the life-affirming 'Alive' and the evocative 'Euphoria', Magic Seeds explores themes of rebirth, societal re-evaluation, and environmental awareness. With nods to 90s electronica and UK bass, the album ably showcases James' dynamic range, his ability to conjure both euphoric highs and introspective depths.
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