Hervé 'Hallucinated Surf' Review

Hervé has become a prominent name on the dance music scene over the years. With two albums and two Essential Mixes under his belt, as well as previously collaborating with the likes of Fatboy Slim and Armand Van Helden, now he's back with the forthcoming album, Hallucinated Surf, showcasing more of his diverse production styles.

Split into two parts, the section first comprises of Hervé’s signature bass house sound and was recorded entirely at his studio in London.

‘I Know’ has to be a favourite on the first part of the album. The fun, catchy synth melodies and female vocals immediately encapsulate those beach-like summer vibes. ‘My Love’ featuring Baltimore rapper Phizzals and has a glitchy, distinctive rhythm then bleeds into a deep, naughty bass-line.

‘Dum Dum’ is undeniably catchy. Out of all the tracks on the first album, like it or not, this is the one that is going to be an earworm for days. It's infectious and shows that Hervé is sticking to his bass house roots.

The album also sees him team up with American Rapper Zebra Katz on energetic dancefloor filler, ‘Tear The House Up’, with upcoming singer Youth lending her vocals to ‘This Broken House’ and grime MC Meridian Dan bringing a gritty edge to the first half of Hallucinated Surf. 

The second half of the album, which was recorded in the countryside, explores a more down-tempo and experimental style, demonstrating a conceptual side to his work as they were written as ‘soundtracks’ to various memories of time, people and places. 

The opening track from the second half is the title track of the album ‘Hallucinated Surf’ and this sets the overall tone and pace - it's a complete contrast to the first half. The haunting piano keys teamed with the calm, crescendo of beats give a feeling of isolation, yet strangely calm and serene.

‘Lights & Fears’ features vocals from The Beta Band's Steve Mason and is a breathtaking piece of music, with shivery guitar and all components building slowly and gently into a blissful haze. ‘Your Dusk’ is stunning. The tranquility and peacefulness is blissful, it’s aim is to depict the memory of a young Hervé’s summer growing up in the Essex Countryside. The bird song sampled is also off an old VHS recording he did with his brothers as the sun was going down.

‘Come Together’ combines progressive beats with the celestial vocal of Kelly Lee Owens to create something spine-tingling and exquisite. Another must-hear is ‘Last Lovers Left Alive’ featuring Rothchild which is slightly more uptempo, laced with indie-band nostalgia and could quite possibly be the statement track on this half of the album.

Hervé is constantly making waves and progressions within his sound. It’s a daring feat to essentially merge two very different sounding albums into one, yet he manages to not only pull this off but create a wonderful piece of art at the same time.

When listening to Hallucinated Surf, it almost feels as if you become to know Hervé personally as you are transcended into his fast-paced tour and production life then experience his moments of clarity and escapism. A brilliantly constructed masterpiece that has to be heard in its entirety.

Hallucinated Surf is available from 19th August.

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