[Release] 2020Vision is well known as a record label but it is also the production name of the label’s creators Ralph Lawson and Carl Finlow. They stopped working together to pursue their solo projects 2020Soundsystem and Random Factor in 2002. Exactly 10 years later the time was right to re-ignite their partnership and they returned last year with Freak Seven remixes. The LB project also ticked all the boxes for taking on another job. 2020Vision drop a very different project from usual in the shape of LB – Superstitious Heart, a writing collaboration between Victoria Hesketh aka Little Boots, Maya Jane Coles and James Ford with Maya taking control of production duties.

On paper it is an absolute dream team of talent and an unexpected pairing of very different creative forces. On vinyl it is almost for certain not what people would expect from any one of the artists individually, which is exactly what appealed to 2020Vision. It is perhaps MJC’s production that is most easily identified, but more following on from her Massive Attack or Florence and The Machine mixes rather than her club cuts.

Superstitious Heart is driven by dark, low-end bass tones while Hesketh’s vocals breeze over the top end, giving a melodic counter balance. Off kilter break beats lurk low in the mix while bright strings and subtle arpeggiated synth lines give penetrating depth. With such widespread appeal instilled into this cut it is sure to grab people’s attention across the board. An instrumental version is included from Maya Jane Coles for those wanting a raw drum and synth driven version.

Lawson & Finlow deliver a diverse selection of remixes in the shape of a vocal, dub and instrumental allowing DJs to truly work the track through their sets or chose the one that suits. The 2020 Vision Vocal Mix gives the full vocal an outing in a contemporary club setting. Evolving, resonant synth lines sporadically ease in and out of the groove while a gritty electronic bass hook carries the weight of the track. Set-back percussive hits add profound hidden depths to the movement of the record.

PBR Streetgang, offer up a remix of ‘Superstitious Heart’, taken from part one of the package. The duo-implant their signature emotive, melodic touches on the original number with flourishing low-end tones, smooth evolving pad lines and layered vocal snippets creating a classy, contemporary interpretation. To close the remixes, Lawson’s Dooob mix builds layers of ‘Ooos’ around the more stripped down beats while an Instrumental is offered to showcase the many truly superb original parts that are lying intricately infused in the record.

The LP closes out with Whatever Sets You Free’. Opening with an insistent, straight 4/4 beat, raw chord stabs and a bulbous sub-bass line. Hesketh’s vocals are heavily manipulated to give them a trippy, psychedelic edge while variations in the melodic elements create an ever-evolving dynamic as the song steadily blooms over its seven and a half minute duration in a hypnotic fashion. Moda Black’s Baunz turns in a ‘Dub’ version of ‘Whatever Sets You Free’ next, highlighting the infectious groove and heady production for more peak-time action.

Really impressed with this release, especially how each of the remixes and interpretations highlight the versatility and layers to the originals. An exquisite release, we will definitely be keeping a close watch on 2020Vision.

PURCHASE HERE

Artist: LB
Title: Superstitious Heart
Label: 2020Vision
Release Date: February 18
Catalog: LB001DX

-Minxxx