I live in Cornwall but nothing makes me feel more at home than when I’m listening to Chalky, who emphasises his love for the coast throughout his works, with even his sophomore release ‘Blooe’ being an homage to the blue oceans of his hometown ‘Looe’.

Some might say it’s a change of pace for Slug Wife, though I believe it couldn’t be any more fitting. Following two collaboration albums with Seppa (Bright Spots & Strange Changes) Chalky continues to bring the sluggy downtempo with his solo release ‘Dreampool’.

The introductory ‘New Memories’ is an incredible display of Chalky’s fluid guitar compositions and delicate harmonies, incorporating organic percussion that almost emulates the sound of pebbles under barefoot. Washed with luscious reverbs, the intricate melodies carry with the ebb and flow of a gentle tide. Chalky breathlessly modulates the energy towards the latter half of the song, softly increasing the tempo to set the pace for the following chill hop grooves.

Seppa joins for a stroll on ‘Walk & Chalk’ bringing the warmth of his jazzy sax lines to richly compliment Chalky’s soulful riffs. I couldn’t imagine these two straying far from each other in terms of collaboration as they have a certain magic that conveys so effortlessly in their music. Thankfully there’s two further features from Seppa on ‘Coconut Cove’ and title track ‘Dreampool’ to get really stuck into.

Chalky concludes the release with the hypnotic ‘Liminal’. A charming ambient piece that truly envelops the peaceful nature of Chalky’s music. If ever there was a choice pick for some much needed grounding, then ‘Dreampool’ would certainly be it. So go ahead and pick up the release out now on Slug Wife, and be sure to show Chalky some love in the links below.

'Dreampool' is out now, and available to buy here.