Convivial (Bonus Version)

Convivial (Bonus Version)

While vocals were always central to Luomo’s music—his debut album was called Vocalcity, after all—they remained largely uncredited until 2008’s Convivial. Here, the Finnish producer (Sasu Ripatti, aka Vladislav Delay) expanded his sound with the help of singers from across the dance music landscape. Johanna Iivanainen, the principal vocalist on 2006’s Paper Tigers, returns on a handful of tracks, tapping into the wistful emotional register that characterized Luomo’s music from the beginning; the appearance of Chicago singer Robert Owens, whose soulful croon was an obvious influence on early releases, feels like a dream come true. Apparat, who would flirt with pop-electronic crossover in his group Moderat, makes a breathtaking appearance on “Love You All,” pairing his falsetto with Luomo’s rushing cataract of synths. Most surprising of all is Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears, who comes strutting over the top of “If I Can’t,” a springy, vivacious deep-house cut. The song is a world away from the high-polish disco-pop of his own group, but he suits the song so naturally, it’s a wonder that more underground dance producers haven’t availed themselves of his talents.

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