Asteroids - This Distance

A new duo comprised of the old-guard, Asteroids is a fresh recording project for Jonathan Nowell (one half of FC Kahuna) and Simon Duffy (who has worked with Massive Attack, Leftfield and Soul II Soul). Their shared love for the era of late ‘80s/ early ‘90s crossover indie-dance, led to the creation of a musical outpost focusing on tunes inspired by the past, but sprinkled with contemporary production techniques.

'This Distance', the first track to emerge from the duo, is all about huge drums, feel-good indie-disco keys, Primal Scream-like vocals and lyrics that centring on rediscovering first love, all which combine gel together for a track that oozes with charisma and feel-good vibes.  It’s rich, jubilant and an infectiously optimistic, each time the vocals soar back in for the heart-felt chorus the hook digs a little deeper.

A plethora of distinct remixes complete the package. The ever-dependable cosmic maestro Diskjokke gives the whole thing a disco overhaul. Double claps are introduced, chimes gently mirror the chords, the drums are slowed down, and the whole thing shimmers with sexiness. German producer Lauer, goes for a 80’s house tipple with stuttering vocal samples, big crunching 4/4 beats and bigger-than-thou chords, all of which build to peaks of blissful chimes, spine-tingling vocals and Balearic vibes. The Deadstock 33’s (aka Justin Robertson) also looks to the track's Balearic roots for a rework of hazy, stoner electro-disco that draws the melody to the forefront of the track and, aside from a few subtle echoes, loses the vocals. It’s the least bedroom friendly of the tracks, but retains enough of the original’s charm.

Proof that nostalgic-orientated projects aren’t always dangerous career moves, ‘This Distance’ is a track that embodies all that was good about the late 1980s Ibiza-fuelled crossover records. I dare you to listen to this, and not want to dig out New Order’s ‘Technique’ and pretend its 1989 all over again.