Album Review: Spiral Deluxe - The Love Pretender

Jeff Mills and his Spiral Deluxe collective return with The Love Pretender, a bold and immersive follow-up to 2018’s Voodoo Magic. The album is a masterclass in freeform electronic jazz fusion, showcasing the intuitive interplay between Mills, keyboardist Gerald Mitchell (Underground Resistance/Los Hermanos), Moog synth wizard Yumiko Ohno (Buffalo Daughter/Cornelius), and bassist Kenji “Jino” Hino (son of legendary jazz trumpeter Terumasa Hino). The result is an album that defies convention, thriving on spontaneity and deep musical conversation.

From the outset, The Love Pretender captivates with its fluidity and unpredictability. Rather than structured compositions, the album presents a series of sonic dialogues—rich in texture, groove, and emotion. Tracks like ‘The Soloist’ exemplify this approach, shifting seamlessly between moods as each musician nudges the collective energy in new directions. The synergy between the players is palpable, their near-telepathic connection allowing for an organic flow of ideas that feels both deeply meditative and thrillingly dynamic.

A standout moment comes with ‘Society’s Man’, which features a posthumous appearance from Sylvain Luc. His signature guitar work brings a sun-drenched, West Coast jazz feel, adding yet another layer of warmth to the album’s already expansive sound palette. Elsewhere, contributions from Japanese jazz trumpeter TOKU and guitarist/producer Masa Shimizu further elevate the record, injecting bursts of brass and intricate string work into its labyrinthine compositions.

Lyrically and thematically, The Love Pretender reflects on the nature of trust, authenticity, and the shifting landscapes of modern identity. Mills and company explore the idea of success in a world increasingly defined by performance—both on and off the stage. The title itself hints at the modern age’s blurred lines between reality and illusion, raising questions about what is genuine and what is merely a well-curated facade. The music mirrors this theme, embracing unpredictability and surrendering to the unknown, rather than adhering to rigid structures.

From a production standpoint, Mills’ meticulous approach ensures that every note, every moment of improvisation, is captured in pristine high fidelity. The album invites repeated listens, rewarding those who immerse themselves fully in its complex yet inviting sonic landscape. The textures are lush, the basslines deep, and the synths shimmer with an almost otherworldly quality—hallmarks of Mills’ signature aesthetic.

The Love Pretender is a triumphant statement on the power of improvisation and human connection through sound. It’s an album that feels alive—each listen revealing new details, new conversations unfolding between the musicians. Whether experienced on vinyl or in high-resolution digital format, this is music to live with, music that refuses to be confined by expectation. For fans of experimental jazz, electronic fusion, and forward-thinking sonic exploration, Spiral Deluxe has delivered an essential listen.