Shanti Celeste isn’t one to shy away from creating deeply conceptual music. Her latest album feels like the soundtrack to a film that hasn’t been made yet—think sci-fi opera mixed with landscapes inspired by the lifestyles of DJs. You might recall her well-received 2019 debut, “Tangerine,” where she crafted sounds that evoke moods and visuals. When a journalist pressed her for thoughts about what images come to mind while making her music, she merely referred to a “dance floor moment.”
Her first album blended ambient and celestial tones, with the sound of her father’s carimba echoing from their living room in Chile—before she relocated to the UK with her mother as a child. The signature sound was all her own, merging the delicate nuances of Moodyman’s classic house tracks with the euphoria of rave music. When she was asked to label her style, she jokingly suggested “fast house.” Her career trajectory is impressive; she began as a DJ, transitioned into a club promoter, operated her own record label, and eventually emerged as a solo artist. Even after university, her tutors kept questioning the significance of her work.
Whether you view her artistic direction as a lack of imagination or a refreshingly straightforward approach to music, it hasn’t stifled her growth. Fast forward six years, and after a series of singles and remixes, her new album titled “Romance” marks her return. The lyrics express sentiments like, “This is a romance—I got lost without you, so pay attention,” underscoring a personal touch that emphasizes longing.
It’s clear that this album diverges from “Tangerine.” The lingering influence of classic American dance music is evident in its basslines, yet most of the tracks unfold at a more relaxed tempo. Percussion creates a laid-back, R&B-like atmosphere, moving away from the incessant kick drum typical of many dance tracks. Her vocals, usually a sporadic element, take center stage this time, blending seamlessly with her strong melodies. The songs feel vibrant, evoking a sense of being more focused on the dance floor than on lyrical intricacies, perhaps waiting for a club remix to emerge.
Despite the various beats, the music is approachable and engaging. It fosters a scattered ambiance that tends to avoid traditional verses and choruses, instead echoing the reflective moments of a night out as the party winds down. It’s as if she’s more interested in introspection than exploration, a charming quality that encapsulates a warm, hazy vibe. The more popular tracks maintain a soft touch, occasionally punctuated by bursts of dubbing that underline her vocal efforts. It seems to echo the legacy of her earlier work.
Indeed, “Romance” could serve as an ambient backdrop for a slow summer afternoon, best appreciated when you fully dive in with headphones. Whichever way you experience it, the album resonates with her intentions, demonstrating that like Shanti Celeste’s most striking club tracks, it possesses a voice of its own.
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