Joshua James – Journeys In Love EP

Following his debut on Phantasy earlier in 2019, Joshua James returns to the label with Journeys In Love, complimented by a propulsive remix from Joe Goddard.

Flipping the ruthless sleaze and hi-NRG of Coarse on its head, the XOYO and Rinse FM resident presents a release that soundtracks the deeper, more vulnerable and always joyous aspects of London’s queer nightlife culture.

Journeys In Love lands with immediate effect, building steadily and confidently around a trippy sample and the hugely pleasurable push-and-pull of James’ synths. Breathing deeply and suspended in red-light, James’ new production tastefully recalls the late-hour, sensual attitude classic NYC deep house, while transmissions of a bottom-heavy bass weight anchor the track in the capital’s defiant after-hours scene. As a digital exclusive, the Super Drama remix utilises skittering percussion and cymbal rushes to drive things forward, dissolving with a playful acid coda.

Needing little introduction, Hot Chip and Two Bears co-founder Joe Goddard delivers a soaring and complementary reinterpretation of Journeys In Love, one built on halcyon, analogue sounds and further bathed in ecstasy and melancholy.