Description
A four-track EP crafted by Cal Gibson, one half of Neon Heights, who produced deep house and downtempo in the 2000s, blending jazz and soul with a sampling sensibility.
Secret Soul Society, also known as South Wales's Cal Gibson, presents the Keep On Trying EP, a release on Hell Yeah Recordings. Having been active in Nottingham in the 2000s as Neon Heights, producing deep house and downtempo, Gibson has since earned acclaim for his ability to freely combine jazz, funk, Afro, dub, soul, and reggae in his productions. This release naturally brings that accumulated experience to fruition.
“To Be Happy” is a Balearic opener enveloped in a soft beat. Swirling keyboards and pads evoke the atmosphere of a Mediterranean sunset, while nostalgic soul samples leave a lasting impression. Rather than relying on flashiness, the track builds a sense of gentle exhilaration.
“Orange Surprise” is a downtempo track built around a broken beat. Fragments of romantic vocals drift through the mix as it moves between ambient soul and laid-back electronica. A quiet track that is equally suited for late-night listening.
The title track, “Keep On Trying,” brings its textures even more to the fore. Crystalline synths, sweet pads, and a slightly wonky bassline intertwine, while soft male vocals add a touch of sensuality. The beat is understated, but the meticulous sound design draws you in.
“What You Do To Me” is a slow-motion disco track featuring 80s-style synths and heavy reverb. The funky bass and laid-back groove work effortlessly both on the dance floor and at home.
An EP where deep house, Balearic, downtempo, and slow disco blend seamlessly. It shines with the warmth underpinned by its sampling work and the composed confidence born of years of production experience.
A1. To Be Happy
A2. Orange Surprise
B1. Keep On Trying
B2. What You Do to Me
Secret Soul Society, aka South Wales's Cal Gibson, continues his red-hot streak of form with four original jams for Hell Yeah that effortlessly weave decades of influences into intimate, unusual sounds that go from Balearic daydreams to after-hours soul burners.
Gibson was one-half of Nottingham's deep house and downtempo outfit Neon Heights back in the 2000s, a collective that label head Marco has long admired. He has landed here before with the superb Keep The Mystique in 2023, a 15-track collection of brand new curveball cuts built from lovingly sourced samples. Since then, he has continued to collide jazz, funk, Afro, beats, dub, soul and reggae on Paper Wave and Magic Wand.
'To Be Happy' opens with gentle, sun-soaked grooves, swirling keys and dreamy pads that evoke a hazy Mediterranean sunset. Nostalgic soul samples tug at the heart while the track’s laid-back vibe is perfect for golden-hour moments. 'Orange Surprise' is a magical slice of downtempo bliss with hints of romantic vocals. It's built on soft broken rhythms and drifts between ambient soul and laid-back electronica, perfect for introspective moments or late-night winding down.
'Keep On Trying' flips the script with more texture. The synths are crystalline, the pads are sugary, and the meandering bassline unfolds in wonky fashion while soft male vocals bring a steamy edge. Last but not least, 'What You Do To Me' is funky and slow motion disco with 80s synths and reverb that drowns you in good vibes.
This EP is Secret Soul Society at his most expressive and emotive.
