It’s been seven years since electronica duo Maribou State’s last album, ‘Kingdoms In Colour’. In that time, they've wrestled with health issues that swept music from the table and raised questions as to whether we would see them again. But ‘Hallucinating Love’ emerges from that uncertainty and resets their already high bar with a set of tracks that are about as emotional and celebratory as we’ve ever heard from them.
Since their 2013 debut ‘Portraits’, Chris Davids and Liam Ivory have created a sound that would be as fitting for a Boiler Room set as it would be soundtracking a brunch the next morning. Their brand of soulful chillwave is as uplifting and vibrant as it is soothing and supportive and they’ve nestled into a niche that only Jungle have really come close to uncovering in the meantime.
Album opener Blackoak marries pensive accordions with emotive vocal hooks. “You never think of yourself, even when your bones are breaking,” runs the chorus, echoing the sentiments that have allowed Maribou State to take their time with ‘Hallucinating Love’.
Otherside, meanwhile, sees the duo teaming up once more with frequent collaborator Holly Walker for a more upbeat affair that underlines the fact they are back and in form.
In just 38 minutes, ‘Hallucinating Love’ shifts restlessly through the gears, from the heavily ‘80s inspired Dance On The World and rollicking Rolling Stones, to the nourishing Passing Clouds and hypnotic Bloom.
This is more than a comeback — it’s a victory lap. That they’ve been able to bounce back and create something with this much positivity and grace in the face of such adversity is testament to their tightening grip on the UK electronica crown.
Maribou State Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri February 14 2025 - LONDON Alexandra Palace
Sat February 15 2025 - LONDON Alexandra Palace
Sun February 16 2025 - LONDON Alexandra Palace
Sun August 24 2025 - MARGATE Dreamland
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