Volcanic Shores return with Sweet Sounds, a four-track EP that expands their sonic identity while paying homage to the rich musical landscape of London. Released on November 10th, 2025, the project positions the duo at the intersection of downtempo, chillout, and drum and bass, drawing from a wide palette of influences that shape its rhythmic depth, atmospheric clarity, and melodic elegance. As a high-quality release that we are pleased to host with a dedicated review, Sweet Sounds showcases both artistic growth and a nuanced understanding of electronic music’s evolving contours.
The EP opens with two drum and bass–leaning tracks, marking a notable stride into faster rhythmic territories. These pieces draw from the energy and heritage of London club culture, echoing nights spent at venues like fabric and absorbing the techniques of seminal DJs such as Andy C and LTJ Bukem. The drum programming reflects this lineage: breakbeats are crisp, agile, and aligned with the fluid, rolling aesthetic that defined classic liquid drum and bass. The rhythmic layers remain uncluttered, allowing each percussive component to contribute to a cohesive forward motion. Synth textures glide rather than dominate, shaping a sound palette that highlights melodic restraint and atmospheric detail.
Vocals from Noya add an essential dimension to these first two tracks. Her delivery complements the rhythmic intricacy with a warm tonal softness, creating a contrast that enhances the balance between propulsion and introspection. The pairing of breakbeats with airy vocal lines situates these tracks within the lineage of melodic drum and bass yet maintains Volcanic Shores’ signature cinematic touch. The synth work remains subtle, favoring pads and harmonic beds that frame the percussion without overwhelming it, developing a spacious sonic environment that feels both club-ready and emotionally grounded.
The EP then transitions into more familiar territory for Volcanic Shores with “Catch the Wave” and “Sitting About,” both featuring bassist Nick Mee. These tracks shift the pace into downtempo and chillout aesthetics while embracing influences from Khruangbin and Nightmares on Wax. Here, rhythm becomes more understated, relying on laid-back grooves and gentle syncopation. The drums settle into warm, rounded patterns that support the melodic arrangements without drawing attention away from them. Mee’s bass lines play a central role, offering fluid movement and a sense of narrative progression within each track.
Synth design becomes more prominent in these later pieces, focusing on enveloping textures and smooth lead tones that evoke a relaxed, sun-soaked atmosphere. The use of reverb and soft delay widens the stereo field, giving these compositions a calm, drifting quality. Volcanic Shores employ melody sparingly, favoring loops and motifs that unfold gradually, reinforcing a contemplative mood. The chilled aesthetic is complemented by subtle guitar-inspired phrasing and organic-sounding harmonic elements, contributing to the EP’s cinematic character.
Thematically, Sweet Sounds stands out for its genre blend and its reinterpretation of material from the duo’s album Coconut Coffee. The title track, reworked here in a more playlist-friendly form, reflects the duo’s intent to approach their own compositions from fresh angles. The EP’s emphasis on remixability and alternative arrangements highlights a creative process rooted in exploration and adaptability. Recorded in a home studio in London, the project channels the city’s eclectic musical energy into a compact, coherent release.
Across its four tracks, Sweet Sounds captures the multifaceted identity of Volcanic Shores. Its rhythmic agility, refined synth work, and atmospheric depth collectively shape an EP that bridges club culture, downtempo introspection, and modern electronic sensibilities. Positioned between experimentation and homage, the project offers a compelling snapshot of the duo’s evolving sound and their commitment to blending influences into a unified aesthetic statement.