Exotic Illusions vinyl

Exotic Illusions marks the debut album of Sydney-based duo D.D. Mirage, delivering a multifaceted blend of global sounds through a distinctly antipodean lens. Drawing from their background in the indie-psyche and punk scenes, Josh Dives and Disky Dee have crafted a record that is as much about atmosphere as it is about movement. From the opening track, 'Exotic Illusions (Feat Hotel)', the duo's signature approach to Balearic, disco, and funk takes shapeiits infectious rhythms paired with tropical melodies evoke the feeling of both familiarity and foreignness. The Neapolitan funk influences are most evident on 'So Hot', where the rhythm section, recorded with the help of Daniel Monaco and Andrea De Fazio, drives the track forward with a punchy, danceable groove. Meanwhile, 'Piranesi' infuses a South American shuffle into boogie, layering it with smooth percussion and fluid synths. The collaboration on 'Antenna (Feat Jofi)' channels '80s drum machine bossa nova with a certain European elegance, while 'Feel It' pulls the listener into a laid-back, sunset-driven groove that gradually shifts into the lighter, more experimental textures of 'Cat's Cradle (Feat Jermango Dreaming)'. On tracks like 'Livin' Upside Down' and 'Night Time (Feat Private Joy)', D.D. Mirage explore an Aussie flavour within the sonic blend. 'Night Time', with Private Joy's smooth street soul vocals, delivers nocturnal warmth, demonstrating the duo's uncanny ability to merge genres and influences into a distinctive whole. The album's diverse set of tracks highlights not just their broad musical influences but also their nuanced ability to make each track an immersive journey.