Album Review: Classixx - Hanging Gardens

Production duo from Los Angeles, comprised of Michael David and Tyler Blake and better known as Classixx, have in a few short years become sought after remix artists while quietly releasing originals on 12”. These guys know how to rock a slick and slinky disco house groove that feels like sweet summer indulgence. Their long anticipated album starts with what could be sound effects from a game of tennis before evolving into a majestic disco stomper that moves in dreamy slow motion. The sly reference to Fleetwood Mac suggests that it's anchors aweigh as we set sail deep into the yacht house heart of this album. A post LCD Soundsystem, Nancy Whang guest vocalises on the perky pitch bent electro funk of All You're Waiting For. The hollow disco thump of Holding On is deeply indebted to Daft Punk as the duo layer glassy synths, piano house and rubbery basslines to euphoric effect. Inspired by '80s electro disco and funk, Classixx never get garishly neon on this album, flavouring soft pastels instead. Coming on like a soundtrack for a daydream that takes your mind far away, A Fax From The Beach comes wrapped in sensuous textures that wash over warm feel-good beats. A touch nostalgic without veering into cheese, A Stranger Love juggles between rhythm and the sweetest melodic hooks to produce electro pop in the vein of Annie or Robyn. Surprisingly, the album comes down on an electro funk tip with I'll Get You and Supernature, not a Cerrone cover, adding plenty of bounce to the mix. Classixx will blow plenty of glitter on dancefloors with these club tunes.