Review: lovetempo - Live Or Die By Love (Toucan Sounds)

From the title you might think lovetempo has been watching too many Bond movies over the festive season whilst in reality his lovefinger will send you into raptures.

You may know lovetempo from previous singles 'But I Do', 'Maybe In Another Life' or even 'Turnaround' on Razor-N-Tapes' compilaton 'Family Affair Vol. 2 (see review HERE) but the track 'Live Or Die By Love' is so uplifting it's joyous in every sense as, to misquote Miles Davis, Gospel Not Gospel, Disco Not Disco, Toucan Not Toucan.

Gilles Peterson got "boyhood fan" over excited in his recent interview (see below) with the Level 42 comparisions but 'Live Or Die By Love' is lovetempo's "manifesto statement" and nothing like 808 BEACH & Amy Douglas 'WHATEVER DADDY SAYS' (see review HERE) or is it?  

Well it is if you're of the Toucan Sounds Co-op view, get your club card out for this one.  It is anthemic and manifesto; it's only problem is that it's too short, the sax, vibes, piano could work out a mix a mega 12", dub and/or instrumental.  Its irresitable and addictive, it's got me in raptures (Ed. that's enough of that). Oh! I did I say Mattie Safer used to be in The Rapture and Poolside.  

'We Can Make It Happen' squeezes a bit of West Coast meets Disco string stabs into Fania's back yard that's added to with the cheatin' 'Part-Time Love Affair'.  

This release is a great companion to Mattie's previous hits 'The Sun' and 'But I Do' and it's clear he's a super talent.  If you like the work of Jkriv, Toribio & Sharin, Clive From Accounts you'll be as excited as Gilles Peterson with this as it is blessed with sunshine and love.

P.S. Gilles Peterson's interview with lovetempo on Lot Radio (in association with Worldwide FM) from NYC for the Winter Jazz Festival starts 12:00 and the whole show is worth a listen 

Link: GILLES PETERSON LIVE FROM NYC at The Lot Radio | WorldwideFM

BUY LINK: https://music.toucansounds.com/liveordiebylove

Artist: lovetempo
Title: Live Or Die By Love
Release date: 21st February, 2024
Label: Toucan Sounds
Cat. No: TBC
Format: 12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp