Just when we thought we had Luke Tangerine figured out, he takes a bold detour, one that feels both unexpected and inevitable. Earlier this year, we immersed ourselves in the pulsating, kaleidoscopic world of "ICU", where disco-funk met French house in a dazzling, high-energy fusion. It was a vibrant testament to Tangerine’s knack for balancing nostalgia with innovation, proving that his electronic wizardry knew no bounds. He flips the script once again, trading neon-lit dance floors for moonlit rooftops and sun-drenched bossa nova grooves. There’s something special about "Midnight Sketches", as it’s not just another EP, it’s a love letter to Brazilian rhythms, a jazz-infused daydream, and a late-night cityscape of shimmering synths and warm acoustic textures. Across four meticulously crafted tracks, the German producer and multi-instrumentalist steps away from his usual synthwave-heavy aesthetic, instead weaving an intoxicating blend of downtempo, bossa nova, funk, and chillout grooves. It’s a bold shift, but one that feels like a natural progression, as if Tangerine has been inching toward this sound all along. Where his previous works embraced futuristic, neon-lit landscapes, "Midnight Sketches" is drenched in sunset warmth and ocean breezes, yet it never loses that signature Luke Tangerine magic!
“Ticket to Belo Horizonte” – A Siren’s Call to Brazil
The opening track, “Ticket to Belo Horizonte”, does exactly what its title suggests: it transports you. From the ethereal vocal harmonies to the hypnotic Brazilian percussion, the song feels like stepping off a plane into the humid night air, the distant sound of samba floating on the breeze. The track is anchored by a laid-back electronic groove, but what sets it apart is its tactile, organic instrumentation, swaying Latin rhythms, smooth jazz-inflected chords, and Portuguese vocals that act like a sirenic invitation. The inclusion of airport-style announcements only deepens the immersive atmosphere, making it feel like the listener is truly embarking on a journey.
But what’s really striking here is how Tangerine fuses electronic music with Brazilian soul so effortlessly. This isn’t just a producer toying with exotic sounds, it’s someone who genuinely understands the pulse of this music, letting its warmth seep into every note.
“Coffee Break with Jaco” – A Slow-Burning Jazz Reverie
If the first track is about movement and adventure, “Coffee Break with Jaco” is about stillness—a deep breath, a slow morning, the kind of moment where time seems to stretch and dissolve. This is pure mood music, an ambient-leaning composition that replaces structured lyrics with hypnotic vocal textures, flowing in and out like waves. The title suggests a nod to the great Jaco Pastorius, and while this isn’t a straight-up jazz-fusion piece, there’s something undeniably Jaco-esque about the warm, flowing basslines that underpin the track. Paired with a dreamy, reverb-soaked saxophone and soft, jazzy keys, the whole thing feels like drifting through a hazy, sun-drenched day. This is one of those songs that doesn’t demand attention—it simply exists, wrapping itself around the listener like a warm embrace. It’s contemplative, immersive, and beautifully executed, a true testament to Tangerine’s ability to craft atmosphere as much as melody.
“Shine” – A Funky, Uplifting Groove Explosion
After the introspective calm of “Coffee Break with Jaco”, “Shine” kicks the energy back up, diving headfirst into retro-funk territory. This track is pure joy, a celebration of groove that radiates the golden warmth of soul, disco, and Brazilian funk. The song wastes no time locking into its irresistible bassline, with playful guitar licks, punchy brass sections, and conga-driven rhythms filling out the sound. But what really elevates the track is the stunning female vocal line, delivering an infectious refrain. It’s an anthem for self-confidence, for movement, for embracing the light within. There’s a timeless quality here, a reminder of the era when funk and soul weren’t just genres, they were life-affirming forces. At the same time, Tangerine keeps it fresh, layering in modern electronic textures that keep the track feeling contemporary rather than purely nostalgic. You can almost picture this song playing at a beachside bar, the sun dipping below the horizon as people dance barefoot in the sand. It’s infectious, full of life, and impossible to resist.
“Unfinished Self Portrait” – A Cinematic Farewell
The EP closes with “Unfinished Self Portrait”, a track that slows things down again, but in an entirely different way than “Coffee Break with Jaco”. If that song felt like a lazy morning, this one feels like a quiet, reflective night, the moment you sit alone after a long day, staring out the window, thinking about what’s come and what’s still left undone. There’s a cinematic quality to this track, something almost noir-like, as if it could be playing over the closing credits of a beautifully melancholic film. The warm guitar tones, delicate synth swells, and softly pulsing brass accents create a sense of nostalgia, longing, and quiet optimism. The title itself is intriguing, “Unfinished Self Portrait” suggests something personal, something still in progress. And that’s exactly how the track feels like a moment of self-reflection, a song that doesn’t offer easy resolutions but instead leaves the listener with a sense of gentle possibility. It’s a stunning way to end the EP, a reminder that music doesn’t always need to conclude with a bang, sometimes, the most powerful moments are the quietest ones.
A Fearless Fusion of Sound & Culture
"Midnight Sketches" is a revelation. Luke Tangerine has taken a risk by stepping outside his established sound, but it pays off beautifully, resulting in an EP that feels intimate, exploratory, and deeply inspired. Instead of simply dabbling in Brazilian influences, Tangerine has fully embraced them, creating a work that feels like a genuine tribute rather than a surface-level experiment. The way he merges electronic textures with live instrumentation, funk grooves with jazz harmonies, and ambient moods with Latin percussion showcases not only his musical versatility but also his deep appreciation for the genres he’s working with. At just four tracks, "Midnight Sketches" might seem like a short ride, but it’s incredibly rich in detail, a collection that rewards repeat listens. Danceable “Shine,” daydreaming to “Coffee Break with Jaco,” or losing yourself in the late-night reverie of “Unfinished Self Portrait”, each track offers something unique, yet together, they form a cohesive, immersive journey. With this release, Luke Tangerine proves that great music isn’t about staying in one lane—it’s about exploring, evolving, and taking listeners somewhere new. "Midnight Sketches" does exactly that, and the result is nothing short of mesmerizing. Don’t just listen, immerse yourself. Hit play below, let the grooves carry you away, and discover the magic of "Midnight Sketches" for yourself!
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You can check out and follow Luke Tangerine’s musical journey on his website here: https://luketangerine.myportfolio.com
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