Sofian

Having lit up sunsets and sunrises the world over with their first outing on Leng, the deliciously Balearic 'Last Night in Sant Celoni', Payfone has opted for a more sensual and seductive sound on their triumphant follow-up.

Phil Passera and Jimmy Day are in fine form on 'Sofian', a deep, chugging and intoxicating affair topped off by a sleazy and breathy, half-sung and half-spoken vocal from Barbara Alcindor, previously of hugely successful European chart-toppers French Affair.

As with previous Payfone productions, no samples were used in the creation of the track. Instead, Passera and Day focus the action around hypnotic, slow-motion machine drums and a brilliant analogue synthesizer bassline that will quickly worm its way into your subconscious.

On top of this the pair has layered up warming chords, languid boogie-style guitar riffs, colourful synthesizer lines, hand percussion and mazy Wurlitzer electric piano solos played by guest musician Phil Marten. It's an undeniably alluring combination of musical elements that offers a clever counterpoint to the barely hidden melancholia within the track's surprising lyrics.

Jimmy Day delivers the flipside 'Loyal Mix', a slightly brighter and more vivid interpretation that gives extra weight to the track's razor-sharp guitar riffs and kaleidoscopic synth sounds. The result is a weighty, synth-powered dub disco workout that makes a fine accompaniment to one of Payfone's most dramatic and addictive songs to date.