Plej emerged in 2003 from the bourgeoning music scene in Gothenburg (also known as Gonkyburg and home to Swell Session, Ernesto, Hird and many more) with their seminal debut, "Electronic Music from the Swedish Leftcoast". The album achieved cult status via word of mouth and over the years has proved to be a timeless classic. Their unique take on electronic music - incorporating lush atmospherics, warm instrumentation and sophisticated musicality – has won over dance connoisseurs and casual music lovers alike.
Citing Herbert, Forcetracks and Isolee as inspiration, Plej describe their sound as "playful, soft, melodic, experimental housey music, that is a bit off centre". In truth, new album "Home is Where Your Heart Was" is all those things and more. It's an organic progression from their debut album, maintaining Plej's distinctive style while adding more live instrumentation. The end result is elegant in execution, naturally balancing these new live sounds with electronic elements and creating an album whose whole is more than the sum of its parts.
Lead singles and stand-out album tracks "Borderline", "Freaks" and "Safe Place" display three sides to Plej's diverse musical palette. "Borderline" is a deeply magical and lush instrumental full of their trademark flourishes, successfully avoiding any of the sort of predictability you might expect, and a welcome breath of fresh air in the current musical climate. Meanwhile, "Freaks" is completely different kettle of sardines, offering more than a wink back to Arvid's punk roots, sounding like Was not Was in a deranged Gothenburg night club. It somehow shouldn't sound like Plej nor should it sit comfortably with their sublime electronica - and yet it somehow does on both counts. Woodwork squeaks indeed.
"Safe Place" is classic Plej. Subtle yet satisfying, it's a track that demands repeat listens and leaves you craving more, sounding somehow vintage and futuristic all at the same time. Its warm Rhodes keys intro gives way for a spine tingling trumpet solo and Joanna Wahlsten's smooth vocals, confirming that we are indeed in a "Safe Place". Its arrangement and production qualities recall the golden Aja era of Steely Dan, with touches of French pop delivered in Plej's own unique way.
"Home is Where Your Heart Was" is proof proper that all work and no Plej makes dance music a dull boy…
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![Home is Where The Heart Was by Plej - Exceptional Records [EXLPCD0801]](https://media.kudosdistribution.co.uk/exlpcd0801/800/cover.ki)
