- A liquid orb, a strange portal, an alien ritual? The centre label on DFSANT03 isn't clear. As with many of the records Lord Of The Isles, AKA Neil McDonald, has released over the years, it summons a subtle mystery. The music invites comparison to the scenic idylls references in his titles. A track like 2013's "Ossian's Hall," with its misty synth melodies and tumbling syncopations, captured the natural wonder of the folly's surroundings. With that feeling comes an intimately low-key mood, and you'll get plenty of that on DFSANT03.
Of DFSANT03's four tracks, "Atliplano" is this sound's most faithful example—the smeared pads and vocal synths are Lord Of The Isles standards. "Interlude"'s squidgy drums and pads ramble on a similar path, but kick drums and a sugary melody later turn towards more recognisable house fare. There's even more dance floor potential elsewhere. "Nu Melody," like "Interlude," comes in two parts. The first is wistful, all cascading synths and decaying staccato keys, and the second is firmed up by a rich synth bassline. "Freewayz" is a rare collector's item: a Lord Of The Isles banger. Its filter sweeps and fist-tight loops echo French touch, and as with the best in that style, the vibe seldom drops below boiling point.
TracklistA1 Freewayz
A2 Interlude
B1 Nu Melody
B2 Atliplano