Long Island Sound – As One [all my thoughts]

After a decade of shaping their deeply emotive sound and becoming mainstays of Ireland’s club and festival circuit with standout performances at AVA Festival, All Together Now, and Electric Picnic, Dublin-based duo Long Island Sound celebrates a pivotal milestone with their first major album, Hydra, on Seb Wildblood’s esteemed label, all my thoughts. Known for their broad emotional palette and sophisticated sound design, Rob Roche and Tim Nolan have also built a reputation for their captivating DJ sets, gaining acclaim with performances in internationally renowned clubs such as London’s fabric and Berlin’s Watergate. With coverage from leading music publications like Resident Advisor, Mixmag and DJ Mag praising their work, they explore esoteric themes throughout this stunning body of work, channeling a range of powerful emotions that echo through each track.

Hydra bursts into life with “As One,” a bold opener that sets a solid, commanding tone with metallic slicing arps and swirling, dynamic textures. Next, “Anchor” lays down a clear sonic intention for the album, drawing listeners into a beautifully constructed state of flux, driven by rising chords and mounting tension that keeps you suspended in its grasp.

In “Full Effect,” the duo introduces a hypnotic, ping-ponging synth line that pans beautifully across the soundscape, with swathes of pads and sheets of noise creating a layered foundation for a delicate plucking melody and ethereal vocals. Further vocal prominence emerges in the anthemic “Terra Nova,” a piece filled with atmospheric detail where tastefully washed-out vocals evoke an arcane yet hopeful feeling.

Roche and Nolan’s carefully crafted sound shines in the cinematic interlude “Adrenaline,” where CMI-style synth vocal one-shots fizz alongside softly detuned flutters. “Warsaw” follows, standing out as an infectious, earworm-laden cut where synthesized vocals meld seamlessly with an analogue bass, and a brooding synth hook dances over rattling percussion.

“Searching” takes a turn into a shimmering synth line that cascades into layers of emotive pads, building anticipation before the distinctive vocal emerges. “Timelapse” brings a silky flange skipping over a precise kick and snare, building to a crescendo of resonant synths, vocals, and detuned effects. Tugging at deeper emotional strings, “Curved Air” maintains the album’s weight with a blissful pad circling a glimmering melody.

Balancing deep emotional resonance with dancefloor energy, the vocal-led “Mira” closes out the album, delicately navigating quick shifts from melancholia to euphoria. As Hydra unfolds, it opens a deeply introspective realm filled with aqueous sound design and thoughtfully defined melodies—a true testament to Long Island Sound’s mastery of their craft.

Marking the release of Hydra, Long Island Sound will perform their debut live show in Dublin, with more dates soon to follow, aiming to bring the album’s rich textures into a live setting.

Pre-order.

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