As with his 2023 LP, Home Away From Home, much of Lexx’s latest EP, Into The Stream was produced in Santa Fe on the island of Siargao. Once again, the surroundings of this unspoilt paradise in the Philippine Sea can’t help but make themselves felt in the blissed-out beats on offer. 

The melodic, midtempo-ed title track is deep house-derived, but also clearly influenced by the intricacies of `90s chillout room IDM. With bass born of bleep, it rolls on a relaxed rattling break, warmly weaving an tribal chant in and out of several smart keyboard solos. 

Ode To Mode is an homage to synth-pop stadium rockers Depeche Mode. Its production certainly captures the polished, shiny, machined sound of Basildon’s arguably most famous sons. Chunky and chugging, its snares stamping, stomping, looking to Enjoy The Silence, in search of its own Personal Jesus, it comes with a little acid and an expert eye for detail, such as spot on retro conga and bongo fills. What vocals there are a Fairlight fractured fragments, and some introspective guitar adds a bonus Robert Smith edge. I’m pretty sure that back in the day “The Mode”, The Cure and New Order all argued about who “owned” this winning musical blueprint. 

Abun-Dance in contrast, is calmer, cooler. Softly shuffling, gently shaken, led by panpipes and peaceful 6-string picking, it instantly summons sunrise / sunset. Its percussion popping like water dropping, dripping from verdant vine leaves. 

Lexx’s Into The Stream is out now on International Feel.