Bulgarian-born, Geneva-based brothers Stef (guitar, keys) and Yavor Lilov (drums) were shaped in a myriad of unseen ways by the centuries-old folk music that filtered through their daily lives. It helped mold their creative spirit and inspired them to make music together at a young age — and that unique and intuitive alchemy has been a foundation of their acclaimed, JOVM mainstay act L’Eclair, which they formed a decade ago.
Their newest EP, Echo was released today through Innovative Leisure. Self-produced by Stef and Yavor Lilov, Echo EP reportedly finds the acclaimed Swiss outfit once again pushing their endlessly elastic approach to rhythm, texture and groove while continuing to occupy their own peculiar corner of the dance floor. where hypnotic repetition gives way to unexpected detours, locked-in rhythms collide with warped electronics, and vintage textures meet a modern sense of space. The result is another playful, exploratory chapter from a band that has spent the better part of a decade proving that groove can be both a destination and a way of getting wonderfully, deliriously lost.
The EP also introduces some new additions to the studio lineup — James Iwa (bass), Panji Bharata (synth) and Eduardo Silva Fuentes (percussion).
Echo EP features the previously released “Excelsior,” a song that the band had been playing during live sets over the past year, and the album’s latest single “Dunes.” Subtly channelling some of their earlier efforts — i.e., 2018’s Polymood, 2019’s Sauropoda and 2020’s Noshtta — may be their most guitar-driven composition in a couple of years: Beginning with a gently droning tanpura-like sample woven around acoustic guitar, “Dunes” slowly unfolds into a mind-bending, psilocybin-fueled groove, anchored by a strutting five-song bass line paired with some laconic yet bluesy guitar solo. It’s a song that further cements their reputation for crafting material that’s simultaneously perfect for lazy afternoons and evenings at home — or for lifting off into the stratosphere.
L’Eclair explain, ““Dunes” marks our return to a more guitar-driven sound. It’s a thread that we explore throughout the entire Echo EP. The track highlights our ability to explore and blend genres, creating deep, mystical soundscapes equally suited for the dancefloor or a trip from the comfort of your couch.”