Kavinsky – Nightcall review

Artist: Kavinsky
Title: Nightcall
Label: Record Makers
Genre: Electro House, Disco/Nu Disco
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

Kavinsky returns from the dead with his latest offering on Record Makers, “Nightcall”. Evoking the sensual, epic and romantic feel that we have come to know from the Teddy Boy, this is Kavinsky’s chance to be recognised as of the same stature as fellow Frenchmen Justice, SebastiAn and Mr Oizo. “Nightcall,” produced by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo (one half of Daft Punk) keeps the underlying pop aesthetic of French electro and adds a slower, housier beat.

The track is part organic, part robotic with CSS’s Lovefoxx (who is also Kavinsky’s girlfriend, for the benefit of those who like their reviews to come with salacious gossip) providing the organic vocals whilst Kavinsky himself adds the robotic parts. Talking directly to each other, the dialogue adds to the ballad dynamic of the production. The remix comes from Dustin N’guyen who keeps the vibe of the original but adds a heavier kick and more powerful drops.

“Pacific Coast Highway” is another Kavinsky original, again telling its own story. This time, the retro influenced sound charts the drama of a ghost car evading police officers on the highway. This time French avant-garde producer Jackson provides the remix, turning Kavinsky’s effort into an epic 9 minute drama befitting of the story it sets out to tell. A perfect taster for his forthcoming album, “Nightcall” proves that the French still lead the way when it comes to making sensual and romantic pop tinged house music.

Review: Tom Jones