{"product_id":"illusions-2","title":"Illusions","description":"\u003cp\u003eLawrence makes a full-length return to his own Dial label with \u003ci\u003eIllusions\u003c\/i\u003e. Following two critically-acclaimed albums for Mule Musiq, the follow-up to 2016’s \u003ci\u003eYoyogi Park\u003c\/i\u003e captures the Berlin-based artist, DJ and label-owner at home in a suitably deep landscape of sound. Throughout, his involving and human approach to electronic music feels more inviting and more necessary than ever. Rather than the dancefloors across Europe that Lawrence has so fruitfully soundtracked over the past few decades, the sound of \u003ci\u003eIllusions \u003c\/i\u003eis inspired not only by his endless, constantly unfolding creative process, but a flurry of underground club gigs overseas including Japan and Mexico. In these close spaces, warmth and intimacy generate the atmosphere, and \u003ci\u003eIllusions\u003c\/i\u003e is naturally blessed with a typically delicate touch that might surprise even long-time devotees of the artist. On close listen, acoustic instruments and subtle field recordings provide a natural bedfellow to Lawrence’s typically warm, earthy machine sound. Another influence is the artist’s real-time live project, Sky Walking, and their shows in intimate venues such as Berlin’s Acud and the legendary Golden Pudel Club in Hamburg.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfter pulling back the stage curtain with the mellow and inviting \u003ci\u003eCrystal\u003c\/i\u003e, the bubbling Lawrence grooves are quickly established on \u003ci\u003eTreasure Box\u003c\/i\u003e, alongside a complex but seductive tapestry of both electronic and acoustic sound. Before long the buoyant synths that drive \u003ci\u003eYu Yu\u003c\/i\u003e melt sensitively into a rich wash of strings. The second half of\u003ci\u003e Illusions\u003c\/i\u003e conjures somewhat darker magic, tunneling more so into the darker, psychedelic impulse within Lawrence’s synthesis. \u003ci\u003eTransitions\u003c\/i\u003e establishes an eerie atmosphere that’s complemented by \u003ci\u003eDark Swirl,\u003c\/i\u003e in which a deep, bottom-heavy bass line dances around a dense, atmospheric forest of effects. The record concludes with perhaps it’s greatest moments of potential physical delight. Montreux divulges it’s details gradually yet beautifully, anchored by a powerful kick, while \u003ci\u003eCreepers\u003c\/i\u003e finishes the show with a deeply resonant, melodic and altogether transcendent trip, a full-scale but understated soothing of the body and mind. Continuing his story as one of the most accomplished producers in electronic music, \u003ci\u003eIllusions\u003c\/i\u003e finds Lawrence reflecting inward, back where he began. Able to conjure quietly breathtaking moments out of thin air, the intriguing effect of Lawrence’s music continues to resonate. John Thorp\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dial","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50471706165579,"sku":"1045179","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/6d0f70ed-57b9-4d96-9814-7d13ef9c876d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727411091","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/products\/illusions-2","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}