Listen: Bayou – Forever Deluxe

Secretive producer Bayou (recently unmasked as Hari Ashurst – formerly of chillwave also-rans Prizes) sparked fervent online reaction with his debut drop ‘Cherry Cola’ at the end of last year before retreating into the shadows no sooner than his compassionate 80s influenced licks had captured our attention. Now the North London based musician returns at last with another heart-fluttering slice of intricate synthpop in the form of ‘Forever Deluxe’.

Tinny snare beats, faintly oscillating bass lines and doleful guitar parts congeal in perfect harmony with Bayou’s seductive verses and caramelized oooh’s. While the surging chorus of exultant horns and prickly percussive ticks offers warmth and a subtle flicker of hopefulness in amongst the bittersweet melancholy.

It’s increasingly difficult for artists operating under a veil of anonymity to reconcile their opaque façade with the sincerity of their output; not only does Bayou successfully join the dots linking product and creator, he does it with a hopelessly romantic and oh so human aplomb.