Review: “Halluncinating Love” by Maribou State
Maribou State’s latest album, Hallucinating Love, is not just a collection of tracks—it’s an immersive experience, a lush sonic tapestry that feels like stepping into a dreamscape. The duo, Chris Davids and Liam Ivory, have always excelled at creating worlds within their music, and this fourth full-length release is no exception. It’s a masterclass in euphoric electronica, blending intricate beats, soulful vocals, and atmospheric textures that combine into something both intimate and expansive. Who knew such a thing were possible.
Track-by-Track: A Journey Through Hallucinating Love
Blackoak
The album opens with Blackoak, a track that sets the tone with its hypnotic rhythm and layered production. It’s a strong introduction, pulling you into Maribou State’s deliberately crafted world. You’re going to want to stay. After learning that Chris Davids has been up against it, to say the least, the lyrics here make total sense. I’m just happy he’s on the mend. I can tell that this one will grow and grow on me.
Otherside
Holly Walker returns, her vocals as stunning as ever. Just lay down your tools and listen. There’s a riff here, too, that is unforgettable, destined to loop in your head for days.
II Remember
This track is pure richness: choral vocals meet soul-filled rhythms but with an elegance that surpasses basic comparison to anything else. There’s a breakdown here that I’m convinced we hear again later in the track list, that either purposefully or otherwise, reminds me of a Scottish highland jig. I might be going mad, but it occurs in the breakdown, and it’s breathtaking—a reminder of Maribou State’s ability to weave the unexpected into their soundscapes, for sure.
All I Need
Anthemic and heartfelt, this track feels like the morning after the night before. There’s another moment like this in the final track, giving this almost an interlude feel. The beats and blips create a slow-motion dancefloor moment—imagine sunrise on a beach, all smiles and serenity. You know the one.
Dance on the World
Simplicity reigns here, but it’s deceptive. The magic lies in the silences and syncopation; the electronic discordance towards the end adds urgency and depth.
Bloom
The lyric “need a break from it all” feels like an anthem for our times. The swell after the breakdown is nothing short of cathartic—a moment of release in an otherwise relentless world.
Peace Talk
Holly Walker shines again in this triumphant piece. The distorted guitar and synth towards the end elevate it to cinematic levels—a track that refuses to give in yet finds beauty in its quieter moments. Very accomplished stuff, honestly.
Passing Clouds
Anytime piano comes to the fore, I stop everything else I’m doing. Well, with Passing Clouds, we have a piano-led beauty that feels like a deep breath. It’s fleeting but poignant, leaving an indelible mark—a theme tune for introspection.
Eko's
This one defies categorisation but fits perfectly within the album’s narrative. Its glitchy middle section evokes raw emotion before resolving into dramatic beauty. I don’t know what else to say. Just listen to it.
Rolling Stone
A festival closer if there ever was one—this track conjures images of friends embracing at dawn after an unforgettable weekend. Somebody is laying sausages on a fire, another handing out stubbies to smiling faces. It’s joyous, nostalgic, and utterly satisfying as an album finale.
A Cohesive Soundscape
Some might argue that Hallucinating Love relies heavily on familiar themes and sounds across its tracks, but that’s precisely its strength. Maribou State has created a cohesive world in which each song feels like a chapter in a larger story. This isn’t about sporadic variety but deliberate and cohesive immersion.
The duo’s signature blend of live instrumentation and electronic production shines throughout. It fits perfectly into the oeuvre of British music that I am so in love with right now and have been for many, many years. If there were ever a “right up your street” sound, then this is it. Holly Walker’s contributions are standout, as always, and add emotional depth and soul, grounding the ethereal soundscapes with warmth and lushness that only she can deliver.
Final Thoughts: A Love Letter to Sound
Hallucinating Love isn’t just an album—it’s an invitation to escape the mundane and lose yourself in something beautiful. Maribou State has once again proven their ability to craft music that feels both personal and universal, intimate yet grandiose.
As Apple Music queued up Jungle’s Time immediately after my first listen, I couldn’t help but smile at the synergy in British music right now. Maribou State has captured this moment perfectly, but with their panache and soulful richness that makes this very grown-up, very accomplished music—and I hope they keep creating worlds for us to enjoy for the rest of forever.
So go ahead: press play, close your eyes, and let Hallucinating Love take you somewhere else entirely. I never want to leave.