More about: NZCA Lines
‘A foreboding investigation under the guise of disco for the digital age’
Honestly, I don’t know how many times I have said it now, but disco is making a bit of a comeback. And I firmly stand by the statement that it must make a comeback. It ought to. I don’t know who is listening, and frankly I don’t care, but I believe it would do a world of good.
We can thank our lucky stars that NZCA Lines (a.k.a Michael Lovett) has spat out what could be the grooviest album of 2020 so far. As a favourite of the BBC 6Music gang, NZCA Lines’ third album Pure Luxury has become an object of desire, a temptress, the holy grail. At the forefront of the Pure Luxury are slick riffs, juicy basslines and playful vocals, but behind this exciting facade is an anxiety-inducing examination of the chaotic world we live in.
Lovett released a handful of the album’s bangers in a compact EP, Prisoner Of Love, but now we can dig our claws into the deluxe version. Pre-existing in the line-up is the fan favourite ‘Pure Luxury’. Echoing the sounds of the noughties, the track is a phantasm of ecstasy with its chunky bass and synth carnival as well as a soul-shaking guitar solo.
‘Real Good Time’ is a classic example of something doing exactly what it says on the tin. If this track were a person, you’d let it buy you a drink and take you to bed. ‘Real Good Time’ opens with a dangerously low vocal and by that point it’s too late because you’re sold. It’s reminiscent of Tyler, The Creator’s Wolf, if he took a tab of acid or somehow ended up with his own Mario Kart racecourse.
Bringing their disco-pop attributes to the top, ‘Prisoner Of Love’ and ‘For Your Love’ are dramatic pieces built upon subtle strings and, once again, striking basslines. The two work together beautifully, with the former being the floorfiller and the latter being an easy-listener.
The album takes a lo-fi turn with ‘Take This Apart’, but picks back up again with the following 80s-fuelled ‘Opening Night’ that mirrors the disco ball glitz of Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’. ‘Larsen’ and ‘Primp & Shine’ plunge into a darker realm where it seemed impossible but the bass got heavier, convulsing harder than before.
NZCA Lines hits the nail on the head with Pure Luxury, a foreboding investigation under the guise of disco for the digital age.
Pure Luxury is out now via Memphis Industries.
More about: NZCA Lines
