With the return of Holly Walker, their longtime vocal collaborator, and a sound that echoes their hallmark strengths while showcasing a refined maturity, Hallucinating Love is a hypnotic journey that speaks to both the past and present of the duo's craft.Opening with “Blackoak”, the album immediately plunges into quintessential Maribou State territory. The track is a lush tapestry of stripped-back guitar licks, straightforward synths, and harmonized melodies. It’s not trying to rush instant attention, but instead draws listeners in with its deliberate simplicity, reminding us of Maribou State’s patience and confidence. “Bloom”, the album’s second track, exemplifies this polarization. It’s luscious and poignant, a tune that sticks in your head not for its complexity but for its singable, heartfelt core. Their production talents take its relatively barebones into something much more – a sound full and textured, it feels more like an embrace than a song. Later, the tandem follows the Moby-esque emotion and energy of “All I Need” with “Dance on the World”, an upbeat anthem marked by its shout-at-the-sky vocal hooks and driving rhythms. The transition feels seamless, taking the listener from introspection to movement, yet never losing the sense of cohesion that defines the album.Moments of familiarity shine through, as “Dance on the World” echoes the infectious energy of “Turnmills” from 2018’s Kingdoms in Colour – a reminder of the duo's ability to craft uplifting anthems. These callbacks build on the strengths that first elevated their craft with Portraits in 2015. And while this album doesn’t necessarily break new ground, it achieves something else important – a confident settling into their identity as artists. Maribou State no longer feels the need to force moments of grandeur. Instead, they allow tracks like “Peace Talk” to evolve organically, starting with strings that subtly command attention and ending in an unexpected, cathartic guitar jam that feels as surprising as it is satisfying.
After the emotional crescendo of “Peace Talk”, “Passing
Clouds” offers a much-needed exhale. Aptly titled, the track conjures an
image of lying on your back, watching the clouds drift lazily across
the sky. It’s a moment of serenity that captures the album’s hypnotic,
almost meditative essence. These softer interludes, punctuated by
production flourishes and understated melodies, give the album its heart – making it a perfect soundtrack for reflection.As Hallucinating Love
reaches its conclusion, “Rolling Stone” provides a fitting resting
place. Wandering yet purposeful, the track’s momentum feels effortless,
carrying listeners to a natural, conclusive space. It doesn’t demand
attention but instead invites you to let go, to surrender to its ebb and
flow.
This is an album designed for laying back and closing your
eyes. Its beauty lies not in dramatic peaks or bold departures but in
its mosaic-like composition – a tapestry where every piece fits perfectly
into a cohesive vision. While it may not unleash what feels like Maribou
State’s ultimate potential, it edges closer to it. There’s a maturity
here, a sense of comfort in their artistry, that suggests the band is
finally settling into the fullness of their sound.In the end,
this album isn’t about reinvention; it’s about refinement. It’s a
celebration of what Maribou State does best: creating music that feels
timeless and deeply personal. And while we might continue to wait for
the moment when they push their boundaries and fully realize their
potential, this journey toward that horizon is just as compelling. For
now, it’s enough to let the music wash over you, a gentle reminder to
pause, breathe, and simply be.
