Vintage acid house is alive and well on Stephen Day’s 'Work 4 Love'

Singapore-based DJ producer Stephen Day has released his latest single, 'Work 4 Love', a vibrant patchwork of 90’s acid house, dripping with nostalgia and pulsating energy.

This electrifying release finds its home on German DJ/producer Tensnake’s esteemed label, True Romance.

The track starts by teasing listeners in with the engaging breaks, before being boosted by a hefty 4/4. The vocals gradually creep in one bar at a time, before dream-like synths overflow the mix creating an atmospheric ethereal soundscape of bliss in every layer.

At the 2:30 mark, a burst of piano infuses the already optimistic track with even more vitality and charm.

It’s one of those tracks we’d guess is best enjoyed during a festival, right as the sun is rising, evoking a euphoric feeling thanks to its blissful atmosphere.

That being said, it’s not over-the-top cheesy cheery, with the piano being masterfully juxtaposed with the more menacing motifs which only amplify the flare of the rest of the track.

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Stephen is closing in on his veteran status, with sets at Ministry of Sound, Stereolab, Ultra, Potato Head and many more under his belt, and we’re excited to see what this next step in the production side takes him.

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Mixmag Asia had a chat with Stephen, who mentioned: “I've been loving the 90s sound coming back for the last few years. That hard-hitting energy, lush emotional pads and rhythmic piano stabs. I was really into that sound when I was young, around 12 years old, so it also carries a lot of nostalgia for me. Amazing producers like Alinka, Alex Kassian, Clint and of course, Tensnake have heavily influenced me a lot recently. It's a real dream of mine to get this single on Tensnake's label.”

Listen to Stephen Day’s 'Work 4 Love' here.

Henry Cooper is a Writer at Mixmag Asia. Follow him on Instagram.