Lexx’s new album, Rhythm Of Love, is set to be a lowkey summer smash. It’s not something that will necessarily be rocking festivals, but instead should definitely be soundtracking discerning poolside parties and barbecues. The 12 tracks are all perfect polished productions. Stripped back to essentials, but still sufficiently, sophisticatedly detailed. Keys, for example, are elegantly echoed, and the fretwork – provided by Lexx’s long-term collaborator, the terribly talented Roger Szedalik – is damn fine throughout. 

If you had to stick these tunes in a pigeonhole / box then it would be labelled slow, steamy R&B. Special, showcasing the vocals of London-based artist Laura Quinn, is breathless, sun-stroked. Its tight, swinging Miami Beach jeep beats and lush guitar licks like Tommy Guerrero jamming with a young Erykah Badu. Quinn also lights up the hushed, heavenly In Motion, where Lexx adds a little Latin and orchestral strings, and the results resemble Sade at their most seductive. 

Stimulator Jones lends his voice to Right By Your Side, and the album’s title track. The former is a laidback lust song, accompanied by fusion flourishes and hand claps. The latter, a slinky, Summer Madness-esque slice of synthetic soul. Ella Thompson, who previously supplied one of the standouts on Lexx’s 2019 LP, Cosmic Shift, shines on Cherish, which comes in 2 different takes. The High On Love version had me thinking of Al Dobson Jr.’s hook up with Lynda Dawn, while the Nite Time shake summons UKG graduate Jesse Ware. 

Musically Lexx doesn’t mix it up too much. Keeping the tone consistent, for a seamless, full length listen. However, the big, grand piano-led Holding On rides a gentle lapping bongo / conga tide, Get 2 Know U is lovers rock, reggae-fied, and Far Away – a meeting of Mr Fingers and Mandre – bumps the tempo up to “boogie”.

Lexx’s Rhythm Of Love is out now on Lexx Music. You can choose between vocal and instrumental takes.