SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DEAD HORSE BEATS – CHILLING EFFECT

DEAD HORSE BEATS
CHILLING EFFECT
BASTARD JAZZ RECORDINGS

Montreal/Toronto’s Dead Horse Beats, brainchild of Patrick Wade, have released its fourth studio album, Chilling Effect. The eight-track album fuses late ‘70s R&B, yacht rock, baroque pop, and psychedelic soul inspired by Steely Dan and Stereolab.

“Tomorrow/Yesterday” opens the record to a vibey psychedelic soul and baroque pop featuring Wade’s soothing vocals, that touches on daydreaming, fantasizing, and manifesting the literal perfect day like Walter Mitty in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Segueing from reminiscing perfect days to the titular track “Chilling Effect” is the ultimate and literal chill track to vibe to as it features sensual, yet laid-back R&B and soul production guaranteed to sweep you off of your feet and onto the dance floor at the function.

“The Beehive State” goes for the mellow soul vibes with Wade belting out luscious vocals about climate change and bee migration while referencing Kansas and Utah. “28, if” stands out on the record. The track is a nod to the license plate of the 1968 Volkswagen Beetle present on the cover of The Beatles’ Abbey Road (LMW 28IF). The funky disco groove song is backed by layered vocals, horns, and strings weaving through the bassline. Underneath the groovy track alludes to losing a friend as it mentions written letters of unforgettable memories.

Ending the record is the baroque pop ballad in the three-minute track on “The Softer Fur.” Wade’s vocals take centre stage in an emotional blue-eyed soul and pop ballad atmospheric fusion of yearning and contentment that hugs the soul.

Dead Horse Beats Chilling Effect perfectly encapsulates summer in a rich fusion of R&B, yacht rock, baroque pop, and psychedelic soul with social commentary undertones and being your authentic social self. If you’re manifesting the perfect summer filled with self-discovery and spending time with friends. This record comes highly recommended for the occasion.

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