It's been 6 years since that faithful day Lu introduced us to the soulful power of Sietske Morsch and Remi Lauw, also known as Secret Rendezvous and their track "Back In The Day". The Dutch duo distills the timeless groove of Prince and The Isley Brothers into a modern glow, a lush fusion shaped by the enigmatic energy of Frank Ocean, the vibrancy of Lizzo and the delicacy of Cleo Sol.
I feel that regardless of what you do in the creative industry, you're bound to face a period of setbacks and what people often refer to writer's block. Whether you make music, write, or design, our creativity is finite and it takes time to create that next special thing. That being said, I am so happy we get to celebrate that next special thing crafted by Secret Rendezvous because today we get to enjoy their brand new album In Between Dreams released on September 26th via Sonic Galore Records.
Album's title refers to the fragile space between the desire to pursuing career (in music) and starting a family, a situation many of us find ourselves in, as soon as adulthood knocks on the door. Maybe that's why I felt this record very relatable as soon as I heard it. I feel this is beautiful reflected in the balance of personal, intimate and mellow and playful and groovy. A juxtaposition clearly sensed in album's opener "In Between Dreams" and follow-up "Feels So Good (Don't It)".
I love that the duo opens the album with such a minimal title track. It sets the tone perfectly, anchored by Sietske’s enchanting vocals, which have the ability to mesmerize all on their own, especially with those highs towards the end. Going back to "Feels So Good (Don't It)", if you're looking for a way to add some sexy summer groove to your day, then look no further than this 80s dream pop anthem with a bassline designed to make you dance.
Produced entirely by the duo itself, with some contributions from their band members, in just 30 minutes the album offers a wide range of emotions and inspirations in the space of psychedelic dream pop, funk, soul and disco music. After having the chance properly submerge in the sonic universe of In Between Dreams, I felt mostly drawn to tracks like "Say The Words" and "Mutual". The former carries that genuine happiness blended with modern psychedelia, which reminds me of Jungle and Parcels, while the latter is reminded me the endless summer nights I had with my lovely wife in Asia on our honeymoon. A time we didn't want to end.
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Production-wise, I would love to spotight Remi Lauw's ability to create instrumentals that feel catchy and engaging, but never in-your-face. The intricade balance in the mix feels like a perfect stage for Sietske to shine. A collaborative skill the duo has honed over years of working together.
Speaking of sound diversity, I feel obliged moving the spotlight into the absolute confidence booster, "Cold Shoulder", which I think is the cheery on the top when it comes to the full album experience. In its entirety, In Between Dreams is the kind of record I would feel confident enough to play while getting together with friends or while on a walk bymyself because it offers a bit of both. The album radiates maturity, standing as a testament to their resilience honed over the years.
In Between Dreams is the full package. It's life itself - with its ups and downs, happy and sad moments, and that's why I fell in love with it.
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