Luomo - The Present Lover

"The Present Lover" for me represents something of a wake-up call for Force Tracks. Listening to the largely forgettable disco inspired output by the label at around the time of this album's release only further highlights just how great this album is. Although it represents a shift towards such a sound, the shift is not a particularly big one, and is pursued in a completely different manner, offering a far moodier, more expressive piece. At the very least, "The Present Lover" serves merely as another testament to Ripatti's incredible production abilities, with tracks like the title cut, "Body Speaking" and "What Good" clear standouts.

Though Vladislav Delay received heavy criticism for his second album, it still remains within the lineage of the first, although with much more emphasis on recognizeable song structures, and more prevalent vocals. The vocals in the Present Lover are no longer simply another instrument (as in Vocalcity), but are in fact used more traditionally--which is not to say it's a bad thing, but simply different from what took place on the first album. The production is high-quality indeed, but beyond that, it's refreshing to know that his Luomo guise won't sit in some reiterative rut. My choices include Body Speaking, Talk In Danger, and Shelter, though the whole work has grown on me after several listens.

The Present Lover, Luomo’s second album, ironically, has more vocals than on Vocalcity. Whereas Vocalcity was house placed in outer space, The Present Lover comes crashing down to Earth -– Earth in the mid-80s, no less. There’s much more cheeky pop on this new album, as evidenced on the spoken word on “Talk in a Danger.” The vocals, however, also detract from the album; some lyrics are laughably cheesy (as on the opening track “Visitor”) and the breathy delivery takes me right back to the time of parachute pants and Members Only jackets. The production is still top-notch, though (“The Present Lover,” for example), and this album is certainly immediate and accessible. But compare the original “Tessio” to the one of The Present Lover and you’ll be able to hear the difference. The new version is good; it’s just not as good.

I remember hearing "Vocalcity" for the first time, I was amazed. AMAZED. When I saw this new release I was absolutely sure that "The present lover" wouldn't be half good as "Vocalcity" so I started to listen and... oh f*ck! This is so emotive and wonderful I am still sold. The production is just PERFECT, sometimes tunes seem to be complicated as hell but at the same time the sound remains so clear...! One of the best albums I own.

Some critics were disappointed with this CD because Luomo has stepped towards pop territory. But you just have to adore the perfection of it. Good songs, good vocals, great beats and great sound. The mastering of Moritz von Oswald (!) gives this CD a sound quality that sets a benchmark for others. Maybe we wouldn't have needed a new version of Tessio as the new material is strong enough in its own right, but I guess when you have a deal with a major they want to play it save.

I love this album! Luomo has changed my ways of thinking as a musician & of most artist in electronic music it is hard to find inspiration. I most certainly have with the inception of the Luomo projects, VocalCity opened my ears & eyes to a new breed of house and Present Lover will remain in my heart the rest of my day's. To sum up the level of production & heart felt soul shown on each song would be impossible, just listen! From the pure mood set by Visitor to AGF on "Talk In Danger" this is a musical journey worth taking the whole ride through.
The legacy of Chain Reaction will forever be adored & will continue to evolve at the hands of Luomo.
Truly one of electronic music's best!
TIP!