The UK’s own SEQUO, a Progressive House and Melodic Techno aficionado of our time, captures a fine balance between ambient warmth and euphoric energy, with the latest intoxicating fusion of layers that is Highways & Streetlights.
Backed by Zephyr Music, SEQUO carves out a classic to contemporary realm with this newest composition. Coming in at over seven minutes in full, Highways & Streetlights pays tribute to the dawn of the genre – unconfined by industry expectations, instead driven by the hypnotic escapism of finely crafted electronic dance music.
The release is calming to euphoric at its peak, built around a humble fusion of cinematic synths and snappier twists of detail and rhythm that keep things evolving. There’s a touch of something more delicate and trip-hop like to the opening half, and yet even despite its progression and length, the track maintains its unmistakable threads of identity from start to finish – a rare quality within such a vast instrumental work.
Slowly but surely we build, not dropping in suddenly but riding higher and higher on the wave of rising anticipation. The frontline riff connects in that truly human fashion for its melodic simplicity, and meanwhile the layers cascade and collaborate – multiplying their presence and strength as we confidently approach the half-way mark.
Then we get a break in the system, a stripped-back vocal expression of ideas that intrigue and remind us of the title of this track. We’re moving at pace now, enchanted by these looping segments but also fascinated by the changing scenes flashing by in our minds. The Highways & Streetlights light up the space, as the music continues to thread its way into our consciousness.
SEQUO is an artist and producer with a refreshing authenticity and humility to his approach. The skill on display is impressive, but the music and mood take precedent, and that gift of pure escapism makes all the difference for the true electronic music fan.
Find SEQUO on Facebook & Instagram.
