3.5/5 stars
The first LP from Berlin-based producer/DJ George FitzGerald sidesteps the dancefloor-ready fare for a collection of wholly enveloping tracks that manage to hit you right in the feels.
Fading Love works the driving thud of techno and the warm rush of house and electronica together into a lovelorn tangle. A rather gloomy and slightly jaded lovelorn tangle, that is – just check out ‘Knife To The Heart’ or ‘Your Two Faces’.
Lead single ‘Full Circle’ (feat. Boxed In) is a surprisingly catchy standout, resplendent with regret and an airtight beat that’s just the right amount of rough around the edges.
The record favours traditional song format over an extended DJ set style of album, and FitzGerald makes it work to his full advantage. Snappy choruses and vocals that never feel perfunctory mean this record delivers on just about every angle – ‘Shards’ is an unexpected gem and essential listening.
There is a markedly human touch on Faded Love, bringing warmth to a record that hasn’t been polished to within an inch of its life, and doesn’t meander about trying to find itself. It knows the story it wants to tell, and you’ll want to listen to this one over and over again.
Fading LovebyGeorge Fitzgeraldis available through Domino/EMI.
