8/10

Over the last few years, producer SG Lewis has been seen as one of the more progressive names on the electronic music scene. With a fondness for fresh and euphoric dancefloor-ready anthems, his early years were littered with bright and shimmering ditties that cemented him as a distinctive name on the scene, rolling straight through to his highly-praised debut LP 'times' in 2021. And after a few years to decide on his next move, he returns with his vibrant sophomore studio album 'AudioLust & HigherLove', a record that continues his soaring ascent.

When compared to the work on his previous full-length, each offering feels like a unique part of his musical evolution. If 'times' was the night out on the town, then 'AudioLust & HigherLove' is most certainly the afterparty as he not only looks to bring back more of those heady moments of ecstasy, but also offer something more calming and groove-filled as well. Throughout his newest collection, we get to experience some of his more varied influences that see him branch out from his former self and into something far more adventurous and explorative.

While it may not have the same focused intensity of his last record, 'AudioLust & HigherLove' feels like the beginning of something new for SG Lewis. Testing the waters at times, he is sensing his persona leaving the club and festival environment in pursuit of something more homely and enigmatic, something we can definitely hope for more of in the future.