24 Hr Sports

Description

With 24 Hr Sports, Leon Michels makes a notable return under the alias El Michels Affair. More vocal than ever, this album marks an evolution in the discography of the New York producer, known for his instrumental soul with cinematic overtones. Drawing from the visual aesthetic of 80s-90s Sports Illustrated magazines, MF DOOM's Special Herbs, and Pastor T.L. Barrett's gospel, Leon Michels builds a dense, vibrant, and coherent sonic object. Surrounded by an international cast, he notably invites Clairo, Florence Adooni, Shintaro Sakamoto, Norah Jones, and Rogê, each voice adding its color to this elegant patchwork of psychedelic soul, vintage funk, dub, gospel, and experimental pop. Michels also takes the mic on "Shining," revealing a more intimate facet of his project. Bold, generous, and always finely arranged, 24 Hr Sports confirms Leon Michels' status as one of the most inventive craftsmen of contemporary soul. A rich album, driven by a rare aesthetic ambition.