7/10

Ever since she first arrived with a string of bold and exciting releases near the end of the noughties, British-Japanese producer Maya Jane Coles has remained one of these captivating figures on the international clubbing circuit. Not necessarily focusing on a commercial or radio-friendly aesthetic for everything she does, she has managed to carve out a sound for herself that is both distinctive and familiar, giving her a direction that looks to draw you in as often as possible. And while she still remained prolific throughout the pandemic, she has now returned to deliver her fifth full-length ‘Night Creature’, a record that looks to examine the clubbing experience on a deeper level.

The idea behind ‘Night Creature’ is to explore all the multifaceted auras and textures that the nightlife has to offer. Rather than simply seeing her music as nightclub music, she understands that not all night is the same and the subtle differences that change within the mood of the crowd in every hour are all represented on here. In essence, this new collection aims to take you on a journey through the various atmospheres of after dark, highlighting the calmer and more solemn moments with a rich and varied intrigue.

While Maya Jane Coles has never looked to become your standard club music producer, it feels like ‘Night Creature’ could become one of her most beloved works yet. There is this broader understanding she shares with the listener on this one, and gives something that could be just as enjoyed at home as well as on the tiles.