Alek Lee

Following the critical success of last years Cold Feet LP, producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist Alek Lee returns to Isle of Jura with his most introspective work to date, the Blue Bird album. Across eight tracks, the Athens-based artist explores what he describes as a ''Peculiar state of minds & Dub Orientated Feelings,'' blending his signature guerrilla style production with deep, organic soul.

The albums centerpiece and title track, Blue Bird features the haunting vocals of singer-songwriter Keren Ilan. It is a raw, heartfelt exploration of the aftermath of a breakup. The lyrics speak of a ''desert heart'' and a ''loss that grows tall and loud,'' eventually finding a path toward healing as the ''blue bird sings the dawn.'' Musically, the track is anchored by hazy, sun drenched guitars, a central instrument that weaves a consistent Balearic thread throughout the LP.

The journey through Blue Bird is one of shifting shadows and unexpected textures. Treasures is a standout instrumental, leaning into a grit-flecked, bluesy ''twang'' reminiscent of Duane Eddy, while The Beach Road sees long time collaborator and Shame On Us bandmate, Yovav, lending his magical bass and guitar work to a track that feels like a slow drive toward the horizon.

Side B shifts the energy toward the dancefloor and the sophisticated leftfield pop of the 80s. First Rain is a subtle house leaning gem underpinned by a kick drum and lush, synth heavy emotive chord progression. Thanks to Sade is a seductive downtempo groove with epic guitar lines shifting through, while Remember the Good brings a subtle reggae skank and a French-influenced organ sound into the mix. The LP comes full circle with a smoked out Dub version of the title track Blue Bird.

A 180 gram pressing in a 3mm spine full colour sleeve and sticker designed by Bradley Pinkerton.

• 1 ilan blue bird (ft. keren)
• 2 treasures
• 3 mountains rivers
• 4 the beach road (ft. yovav)
• 5 first rain
• 6 thanks to sade
• 7 remember the good
• 8 blue bird dub