Following on from two previous releases featured on BlackPlastic, December’s Ramblin’, and January’s In Defense Of Time, European-American electro-dance outfit Late Guest At The Party are back with a hot new single for summer.
In contrast to both Ramblin’’s taut, dubby, shuffling house, and In Defense Of Time’s slower, sun-cracked and electronic balladry, Ecstasy (If You Want It) pursues a more hedonistic sound.
Whilst Ecstasy retains the tight, square bass tones of Ramblin’, it combines them with the kind of looped piano riff that sits somewhere between classic Chicago house and UK rave culture. Punchy drums and emotive, earnest vocals give the overall song a polished sound, whilst knowingly demonstrating music geek chops — Late Guest At The Party know their musical references, and they enjoy showing them off. Once again, they are assisted by Joe Lambert, who has worked with DFA and Animal Collective, and many others.
My favourite moment in Ecstasy is the song’s bridge, which sees a clipped brass sound woven into the song’s mix, as a filter gradually obscures the song’s vocal. Once the drop kicks in, the song briefly basks in its own crisp simplicity for its closing moments. Sunny melodies and heartfelt vibes abound.