One of the best signings to 4AD in years, Maria Somerville makes music which recalls the legends of the imprint's past, while adding new flavors to the beloved dream-pop form. Her 2025 album Luster was raved about here, and I'm happy to now help spread the word about a new remix EP from Maria due out in January.
Of the first few tastes of the EP, the Seefeel remix of "Stonefly" adds considerable spaciousness to the already airy tune, while the remix of "Projections" from colle (Chanel Beads) adds layers and layers of sounds under the central melody. The charms of Luster were many for me, and the material reminded me very much of that one Swallow album the label put out in the Nineties. These remixes will likely be more robust and varied, making the hooks more prominent in a sense. The ones that have been released today indicate new pleasures from the music of Maria Somerville, and considering how much I loved Luster, more of that is something I'm looking forward to as a fan.
Luster by Maria Somerville is out now via 4AD. The Luster (Remixes) EP will be out in January on the same label. Details here.
[Photo: Cáit Fahey]