Faze Action’s 6th studio album, “Distant Dreams”, is an incredible demonstration of the brothers’, Robin and Simon Lee’s production chops. The 8 tracks are so polished and accomplished that they could easily pass for the work of the past masters who inspired them. “Sungazer”, for example, disco full of space-y effects, would no doubt sound spectacular on a Loft-like system. Its virtuoso jazz violin a flashback to David Mancuso favourite Alfredo De La Fé. The previous single, “Journey Through Your Mind” is a totally authentic nod to early `80s Brit / jazz funk. “Batanayi”, fronted by frequent collaborator, Zeke Manyika, bounces bright and brassy. A sunshine-soaked hit of afro-flavoured Second Summer Of Love-era house / pop. 

“Yam Suite” is so romantic it soars. Cool keyboard solos, fluttering flute and opulent orchestration all swooning in synergy around a slick bossa nova. A slow, sleek shot of NYC “morning music” funk, “Neutromony”, is a ringer for the wicked, wah-wah-licked seductive stuff of saucy `70s European film scores. Then, the set’s title track sashays toward the beach and The Balearics. Stretched out on a sun lounger next to the productions of friend and fellow traveller, Phil “Cantoma” Mison. Its Romany violin accompanying vocals that bear an easy-listening, Brazilian swing. Its clipped guitar, upbeat and summery, but a little wistful. Nostalgic, in the same way as, say, William Pitt’s classic “City Lights”. 

Faze Action’s “Distant Dreams” can be ordered directly from FAR.