★★★☆

Lewis Cancut’s new releaseIndoor Rainforestis a set of pristine, tropical house music that sounds like a rave taking place inside a video game.

The influence of Japanese and anime culture is strong throughout the six-track EP – the cover art is perfect – and the bouncing synths, treated Japanese woodwind sounds and kicking percussion only compound the eccentric high energy.

Cancut goes a step further with these influences on ‘Ice Cream & Asphalt’, where he employs the addictive, sickly sweet vocal contributions of Miku Hatsune. While all of this might sound gimmicky to some, he’s created something truly intriguing – largely because it never sits still.

Coming in at an economical 20 minutes, nothing on this EPis too cute, and nothing outstays its welcome. Cancut guides listeners on an intriguing ride through this indoor rainforest, which – in the real world – is a man-made attraction.

For that reason, the title of Indoor Rainforest is oddly telling. Nothing here is out of place, and it will make as much sense in your headphones as it will when you’re dancing with strangers in the dark.

Lewis Cancut’sIndoor Rainforestis out now on NLV.

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