L-space – Kipple Arcadia

Modelling a savvy retro sheen and a dazzling future-shock vision, Kipple Arcadia’s laid-back vibe is uncommonly vital

Album Review by Gary Kaill | 24 Sep 2018
Album title: Kipple Arcadia
Artist: L-space
Label: Last Night From Glasgow
Release date: 28 Sep

Another direct hit for Scottish not-for-profit label Last Night From Glasgow, whose nurturing of emerging artists continues to provide a vital outlet for maverick voices. Take a bow then L-space. Kipple Arcadia is a debut built from little more than trim beats, atmospheric synths and Lily Higham’s feather-light vocals. And yet, within the atmospherically charged wash of the album’s deftly crafted soundboard, prepare to uncover a depth of artistry and a gift for songcraft that set them some way ahead, even at this stage, of a host of more feted DIY adventurers.

Pre-release, the luscious Suneaters gave notice of a richly textured dream-pop aesthetic. There is nothing quite so unspeakably beautiful here, but even so, that exquisite diamond’s nine artful partners run it close enough to ensure Kipple Arcadia is mesmerising throughout. With its soft keys and a candy-coloured hook that recalls prime Goldfrapp, Backup Baby is as warm and woozy as a summer afternoon.

Café Electric parades a tricksy beat and is one for the headphones, its madcap percussion hot-stepping around inside your skull. The unearthly Aloe (imagine Beach House properly untethered) and the ersatz balladry of Float Through Wires confirm a curiosity beyond the band’s immediate stock-in-trade. Modelling a savvy retro sheen and a dazzling future-shock vision, Kipple Arcadia’s laid-back vibe is uncommonly vital. Don’t go dozing off – these sci-fi lullabies have their eyes on the prize.

Listen to: Suneaters, Annihilation

http://l-space.co.uk/